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To make the creamy jalapeño chicken skillet, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs well with juicy chicken. The jalapeños add a nice kick, but you can adjust the heat by changing the amount used. Fresh cilantro gives a great finish to each plate. Each item plays a key role in making this dish flavorful and satisfying. Make sure to check your pantry for the spices and cream. Fresh veggies enhance the taste, so I recommend using them whenever possible. Enjoy the process of gathering these items; it sets the stage for a delicious meal ahead! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your two chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps the chicken taste great. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the skillet. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for the best results. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add one medium diced onion. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Then, stir in two cloves of minced garlic and 2 to 3 finely chopped jalapeños. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes until it smells great. Now, pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This adds depth to your dish. Then, stir in one cup of heavy cream, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let this simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Next, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can serve this creamy jalapeño chicken skillet straight from the pan for a rustic look. Enjoy it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. To make the sauce rich and smooth, use heavy cream. This adds a nice texture. Simmer the cream with spices like cumin and smoked paprika. This will enhance the flavor. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer longer. You want a velvety sauce that clings to the chicken. The heat in this dish comes from jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. For more spice, keep them in. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance for you and your guests. To ensure your chicken stays juicy, don’t overcook it. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes. This gives it a nice golden crust. After searing, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay moist. When you add it back to the sauce, cover the skillet. This traps the steam and keeps the chicken tender. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, keep some seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapeños and herbs will enhance the flavor profile. Consider using fresh cilantro right before serving for a burst of freshness. Cheese Variations: While cheddar works great, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor and a bit of spice. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients for this creamy jalapeño chicken skillet. Here are some ideas: - Chicken: Use turkey breasts or thin pork chops. - Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Cheese: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more spice. - Onion: Use shallots or green onions for a milder flavor. - Broth: Vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter taste. This dish is so versatile! Here are a few ways to serve it: - Serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce. - Pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal. - Add a side salad for a fresh crunch. - Top with avocado slices or extra jalapeños for a kick. - Try it in tacos or burritos for a fun twist. You can make this dish in different ways: - Grill: Grill the chicken instead of searing for a smoky flavor. - Oven: Bake the chicken in a casserole dish with the sauce for 25-30 minutes. - Slow Cooker: Cook everything on low for 6-8 hours for tender chicken. - Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for veggies, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. These methods can change the taste and texture, making it fun to try new styles! After you enjoy your creamy jalapeño chicken skillet, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors locked in. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. You can freeze the creamy jalapeño chicken skillet for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make creamy jalapeño chicken ahead of time. Cook the dish and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. This helps keep the sauce creamy. You have great options! Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Crusty bread - Mashed potatoes - Grilled vegetables - A fresh salad Each choice pairs well with the creamy sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay juicy. To change the heat, you can: - Use fewer jalapeños - Remove the seeds from the jalapeños - Add a dash of cream to cool it down - Serve with a side of sour cream for extra cooling These tips help customize the heat to your liking. This blog covered making a creamy jalapeño chicken skillet, a tasty dish with easy steps. You learned about the ingredients needed, from chicken to jalapeños. I shared tips for perfecting the sauce and suggested variations to keep it exciting. We also talked about storing leftovers properly. In the end, this meal is simple yet delicious. With practice, you'll impress anyone at your table. Enjoy cooking and savoring your creation!

Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy jalapeño sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keyword chicken, creamy, jalapeño, skillet