Description
This creamy jalapeño chicken skillet is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender diced chicken cooked in a spicy, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chicken broth, enhanced by the bold flavors of fresh jalapeños and aromatic garlic and onion powders. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Flavoring
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works well)
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Jalapeños: Stir in the diced jalapeños and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor and soften slightly.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Broth: Add 1 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, then add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and cook until it melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce coating the chicken.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level; removing the seeds can reduce heat.
- For a lower fat option, use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Freshly diced chicken breasts ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
