Jalapeño Pepper Chicken Breasts
Jalapeño Pepper Chicken Breasts is a bold flavorful dish that combines the heat of jalapeños with tender juicy chicken. It’s perfect for spice lovers and can be served with rice tortillas or fresh veggies. This recipe strikes a tasty balance between spicy creamy and savory with every bite packed full of flavor.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 jalapeño peppers thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese softened
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
Optional garnish: chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt pepper and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Jalapeño Sauce:
In the same skillet add garlic and sliced jalapeños. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in cream cheese sour cream and shredded cheddar until smooth and melted.
Finish the Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top.
Cover and let simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve:
Plate the chicken with extra sauce on top.
Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.
Tips:
Control the Heat: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños if you want a milder flavor. Leave them in or add extra jalapeños for more spice.
Tender Chicken: For even cooking and tenderness lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack pepper jack or mozzarella for a creamier melty texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
Make it Saucy: If you like extra sauce double the cream cheese sour cream and cheddar portions. It’s great for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.
Variations:
Bacon Wrapped: Wrap the seasoned chicken breasts in bacon before searing for added flavor and crunch.
Stuffed Version: Slice the chicken breasts open to create a pocket and stuff them with the jalapeño cheese mixture then bake until cooked through.
Low Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice roasted vegetables or in lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly meal.
Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers onions or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
Grilled Option: Grill the chicken separately and pour the warm jalapeño cream sauce over the top just before serving.
Questions and Answers
1. Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?
– Yes you can use canned jalapeños especially if you prefer a milder pickled flavor. Just drain them well before adding to the sauce.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking it on the stove?
– Absolutely. You can sear the chicken then transfer it to a baking dish top with the sauce and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
3. What sides go well with this dish?
– This chicken pairs well with rice mashed potatoes roasted veggies tortillas or even a fresh green salad.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
– Yes you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken fresh then reheat the sauce and combine before serving.
5. How spicy is this dish?
– It’s moderately spicy with fresh jalapeños. You can tone it down by using fewer jalapeños or removing all seeds and membranes.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate for 2 servings):
Calories: 430
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on cheese type and portion size.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Pepper Chicken Breasts is a flavorful spicy and creamy dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or spicing things up for a casual gathering this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s versatile enough to suit different heat levels and diet styles and sure to become a go-to favorite for anyone who loves bold tasty meals.