Description
A bold and comforting dinner made with seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety jalapeño cream sauce. This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh lime brightness for a meal your family will love.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tbsp fresh lime juice
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Pat seasonings into the meat and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate.
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Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then add chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and jalapeños. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
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Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Lower heat and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Add fresh lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning.
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Finish with chopped cilantro and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
For less heat, remove all jalapeño seeds or use only one pepper.
For extra spice, add more jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder.
Sauce too thick? Thin with a splash of chicken broth.
Sauce too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Delicious with rice, pasta, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / One pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg