Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs stay juicy and tender, and actually soak up the flavors even more. Just adjust the cook time—a few more minutes to get them fully cooked.

How spicy does this dish end up?

Using seeded jalapeños keeps this dish mildly spicy—just enough to wake up the palate without overwhelming. For more heat, leave some seeds in, or double the jalapeños.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You sure can. The sauce thickens beautifully in the fridge and reheats perfectly. If prepping for a gathering, you can make the whole skillet, then warm gently when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese or cheddar?

You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt (for tang and creaminess). Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese substitutes well for cheddar; just choose a good melting cheese for best results.

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Name: One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 small chicken breasts, skinless and boneless; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 white onion, finely chopped; 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 2 oz cream cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; Sliced jalapenos, for garnish

Description

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick of jalapeno heat. Ready in under 30 minutes, this satisfying main course is perfect for busy evenings and spice lovers.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

4 small chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp butter
1/2 white onion, finely chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 oz cream cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Sliced jalapenos, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken breasts, coating both sides evenly.
Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add the diced jalapenos and minced garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well until fully combined and creamy.
Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle extra sliced jalapenos on top if desired. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thick.
Serve: Garnish with additional sliced jalapenos and serve hot. Enjoy with your choice of side, such as rice or vegetables.

Notes

For less heat, use only one jalapeno or remove all seeds and membranes.
Thicken the sauce further by simmering uncovered for a few minutes.
This recipe works with chicken thighs as well.
Serve with cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 128mg