Craving a delightful twist on your chicken dinner? Dive into the cheesy, spicy goodness of Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breast with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s spiced just right with jalapenos. Perfect for any night of the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (half of one small onion)
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: For seasoning the chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and jalapenos.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce.
Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Preparing the Chicken
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare the chicken properly. This step ensures that your chicken is flavorful and cooked to perfection.
Seasoning the Chicken
First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this dish, providing that creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness that makes Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken so irresistible.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced jalapenos. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the jalapenos are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Making the Sauce (Continued)
Creating the Creamy Base
With the sautéed onions, jalapenos, and garlic ready, it’s time to create the creamy base for our sauce.
- Add Heavy Cream and Broth:
Pour in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1/3 cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will add more flavor to your sauce. - Incorporate the Cream Cheese:
Add the 2 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Bringing It All Together
- Add Half the Cheddar Cheese:
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) into the sauce, mixing until it’s completely melted and well incorporated. - Return Chicken to the Skillet:
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. - Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Finishing the Dish
Adding the Final Touches
To make sure our Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken is perfect, we’ll add the remaining cheese and give it a final touch of heat.
- Top with Remaining Cheddar Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Optional Garnish:
For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions before serving. This step is optional but adds a nice fresh element to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
- Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Vegetables: A side of roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers, complements the dish nicely.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Serving Your Dish
Your Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Here’s how to plate and serve it:
- Plating:
Place each chicken breast on a plate, ensuring to spoon some of that rich, creamy sauce over the top. The melted cheddar cheese and jalapeno bits should be visible, adding a colorful and appetizing look to your dish. - Add Sides:
Arrange your chosen sides, such as rice or vegetables, around the chicken. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also makes it easier to enjoy the meal as a cohesive whole.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
- Storage:
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Reheating:
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much. Heat until the chicken is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave on medium power, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
If you’d like to freeze Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken for later, follow these steps:
- Cool Completely:
Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. - Freeze:
Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. - Thaw and Reheat:
To enjoy again, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as described above.
Conclusion
Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and the kick from the jalapenos will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to store any leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later.
Cooking at home can be a joyous experience, especially with recipes that bring out such wonderful flavors. I hope you find this Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken recipe to be as delightful to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!