Jalapeno Chicken

Name: Jalapeno Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 3 pieces jalapeno peppers (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

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By: Maria
Posted: 02/25/2025

This Jalapeño Chicken is a bold, spicy, and creamy dish packed with flavor! Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a Creamy Jalapeño sauce that has just the right kick. This dish is easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half to make cutlets
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

For the Jalapeño Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Juice of ½ lime
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Jalapeño Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced jalapeños for 2 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Add the lime juice and stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy jalapeño sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
With roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad
With warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping

Notes

Less heat? Remove the jalapeño seeds or use mild green chilies instead.
Dairy-free version: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

The creamy, cheesy sauce balances out the heat from the jalapeños, creating a spicy yet smooth flavor. The seared chicken stays juicy, soaking up the bold, tangy sauce, making this dish irresistibly delicious!

Conclusion

If you love spicy, creamy, and flavorful dishes, this Jalapeño Chicken is a must-try! It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Make it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home! 🌶️🍗🔥✨

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Jalapeño Chicken ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare the Jalapeño Chicken in advance. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately. Store the cooked chicken and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a pan, add the chicken, and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This dish is best served fresh, but reheating allows for a convenient meal option.

What are some good substitutions if I don’t have heavy cream or Parmesan cheese?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, using the same 1-cup (240 ml) measurement. Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, also using ½ cup (50g), which provides a cheesy flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with a hard Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, using a similar amount. For a less spicy sauce, you can also reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked and the sauce is ready?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown and no longer pink inside. The jalapeño cream sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly, usually after simmering for 2-3 minutes, and coats the back of a spoon. The sauce should have a smooth consistency and a vibrant color.

Can I double or scale up this Jalapeño Chicken recipe to serve a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. When doubling, use a larger skillet to accommodate the chicken and sauce. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece sears properly. Double the sauce ingredients accordingly, and adjust the cooking time slightly, especially for simmering the sauce to ensure it thickens adequately. Be sure to use a skillet that is large enough to hold the increased amount of sauce and chicken.

What are the nutritional highlights and health benefits of the ingredients in this recipe?

This Jalapeño Chicken provides a good source of protein from the chicken. Jalapeños are rich in Vitamin C and capsaicin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting benefits. Parmesan cheese offers calcium, and the cilantro provides vitamins and antioxidants. The olive oil contributes healthy fats. The dish, when served with vegetables, offers a balanced meal with a variety of nutrients.