Spicy Jalapeno Chicken — It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something cozy, comforting, and with a kick. The Spicy Jalapeno Chicken was just the ticket – a warm hug in dish form that brought a little spice to liven up the night.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
This Spicy Jalapeño Chicken comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners or slower, cozy evenings when you still want bold flavor without extra effort.
| Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 4 | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
This recipe delivers bold, crave-worthy flavor with minimal fuss. The juicy chicken gets a spicy kick from jalapenos, while a creamy, cheesy sauce pulls everything together for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients for Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
The ingredient list for this recipe is short and sweet, but each item plays an important role in bringing the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken to life.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 2 – Jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredients That Matter in Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | The lean, tender chicken is the perfect canvas for the spicy, creamy sauce. |
| Jalapeños | Fresh jalapeños add a controlled heat to the dish, while the creamy cheese sauce smooths out the spice for a well-balanced bite. |
| Heavy Cream | The velvety cream creates a luxurious, indulgent texture that balances the spice. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Melted cheddar cheese makes the sauce irresistibly gooey and flavorful. |
| Olive Oil | A drizzle of olive oil helps the chicken brown and develop a nice sear. |
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Best Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Jalapenos | Serrano peppers or cayenne pepper | Serrano peppers and cayenne have a similar heat profile to jalapenos, so they can be used interchangeably to achieve the same level of spice. |
| Heavy Cream | Evaporated milk or half-and-half | These dairy products have a similar creamy texture and richness, making them suitable swaps for the heavy cream. |
Tools You’ll Need
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken recipe requires just a few basic kitchen tools, making it an easy and approachable dish to prepare.
- Skillet or large sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Dice the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch chunks and season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken cubes for 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly browned while still slightly undercooked in the center.
Properly browning the chicken before simmering helps lock in moisture and flavor, a technique supported by Serious Eats’ guide to searing meat for better texture and taste.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced jalapenos to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jalapenos are softened. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the pan and gently coat it in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens, then serve hot with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 | Easy |
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Variations
Extra creamy & indulgent:
For a richer finish, add an extra splash of cream or stir in a small knob of butter at the end. Swapping cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack also adds more depth and meltability.
Lighter & fresher:
To lighten things up, reduce the cheese slightly and finish the dish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. These bright flavors balance the creamy sauce beautifully.
Adjust the heat:
For milder heat, use just one jalapeño and remove the seeds and membranes. If you love spice, leave the seeds in or substitute one jalapeño with a serrano pepper for a sharper kick.
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Nutrition Information & Dietary Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Chef’s Tips for the Best Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
Here are a few tips to help you achieve the most delicious Spicy Jalapeno Chicken every time:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use only one jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For an extra spicy kick, add a second jalapeno or use a hotter chili pepper like serrano or cayenne.
- Slice the Chicken Evenly: Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes helps ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Remove it from the pan while it’s still slightly underdone, as it will finish cooking gently once it simmers in the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese Gently: Adding the cheese over low heat and stirring frequently helps it melt into a smooth, velvety sauce without seizing up or becoming grainy.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the USDA’s poultry safety guidelines.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Spicy Jalapeno Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
According to FoodSafety.gov, cooked chicken dishes should be refrigerated within two hours and consumed within 3–4 days for best quality and safety.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken in a skillet or the microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
Can I substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work just as well in this recipe, and they may even result in a juicier, more tender final dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
To keep this recipe keto-friendly, replace the heavy cream with cream cheese or additional shredded cheddar. Both options create a rich, creamy sauce while keeping carbs low.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. While cheddar is a solid choice, other melt-friendly cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gouda work just as well. Adjust the amount to reach your desired sauce consistency.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a unsweetened nut milk, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe works well in the slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, then add it to the slow cooker with the jalapeños, cream, and cheese. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Final Tips Before You Dig In
I hope you love this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken as much as I do! Here are a few final tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
No stress, we’ve got this! Big flavor, simple steps – just the way I like it.
Try These Next
Tasty 5-Minute Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is a delicious and fiery dish that’s perfect for spice lovers. Tender chicken is marinated in a spicy jalapeno mixture, then grilled to perfection for a smoky flavor.
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 2-3 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chopped jalapenos, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
3. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest the chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve: Slice the chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapenos.
Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
