Description
Savor juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. This skillet recipe combines perfectly seared chicken with a flavorful blend of cheeses, fresh jalapeños, and aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying main dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 (5-6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
Sauce
- 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
- 3 medium jalapeños (seeds and membranes removed, finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese (1/3 less fat recommended)
- 1 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While heating, season chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown.
- Remove and Cover Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. Note that the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later.
- Prepare the Base for Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. This prepares the pan for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion and jalapeños to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Create Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate. Turn the chicken gently to coat it fully with the cheese sauce.
- Simmer to Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is cooked through. For best flavor, spoon some sauce over the chicken halfway through the cooking process.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and spoon extra jalapeño cheese sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy and mildly spicy flavors.
Notes
- Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños reduces the heat; keep them if you prefer spicier sauce.
- Using a lower-fat cream cheese reduces overall fat without compromising creaminess.
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Leftover sauce is great over rice or steamed vegetables.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
