Description
This Jalapeno Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and spicy skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked with fresh jalapenos, garlic, and a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying gluten-free American main course, garnished with fresh cilantro and a hint of lime.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a balanced spice blend.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, which forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Jalapenos: Stir in the minced garlic and thinly sliced jalapenos; cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the heat and aroma to develop.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and lime juice, letting the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy jalapeno sauce generously over the top, and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve hot. This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, or warm tortillas.
Notes
- For extra heat, retain the jalapeno seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with warm tortillas to complete the meal.
