Jalapeno Chicken
This Jalapeño Chicken is sure to become a favorite with its combination of creamy, cheesy sauce and the spicy kick of jalapeños.Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe that brings a flavorful and satisfying meal to your table.
Ingredients
- 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
- 3 fresh jalapeños sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water optional, for thickening
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them with the spice mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Add the sliced jalapeños and cook for another 2 minutes.Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine and Bake:Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and removing the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a fresh note to the dish.