Description
This Jalapeno Chicken recipe features tender, lightly spiced chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, cheesy jalapeno sauce. The dish balances smoky paprika, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add sliced jalapeños and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, then bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. If a thicker sauce is desired, add the cornstarch mixture and cook 2-3 more minutes until thickened.
- Combine and Bake: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from oven and let chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another dish for baking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Cornstarch mixture is optional; omit if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
