Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner: juicy chicken, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and the bold kick of fresh jalapeños—all cooked in a single pan. It’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly simple despite tasting like something you’d order at a restaurant. The combination of cheese, spices, and peppers melts into a luscious sauce that coats every bite of chicken. I once added a splash of chicken broth while simmering, and it helped the sauce become extra silky without diluting the flavor. Whether served over rice, pasta, cauliflower mash, or enjoyed on its own, this dish provides a satisfying balance of heat and creaminess. It’s also incredibly customizable, letting you adjust the heat level and richness while keeping cleanup effortless. If you love bold flavors and easy comfort food, this dish will quickly become a favorit
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken: A Creamy, Spicy Dinner Made Easy
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy one-pan chicken dish loaded with jalapeños, melty cheese, and a rich savory sauce—quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced jalapeños and cook 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and both cheeses.
- Whisk until smooth and melted, forming a creamy jalapeño cheese sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer 6–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide a lean, tender base that absorbs the creamy jalapeño sauce beautifully when cooked to perfection.
Jalapeños
Fresh jalapeños bring heat, crunch, and bold flavor. You can remove the seeds to adjust the spice level.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese forms the core of the sauce, offering velvety richness and a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar melts into the sauce, adding sharp, savory depth and helping achieve irresistible creaminess.
Garlic
Garlic infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and chicken.
Olive oil or butter
Used to sear the chicken and sauté the jalapeños, providing color and richness.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth lightens the sauce and deepens the overall flavor without reducing creaminess.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness while enhancing the color of the dish.
Salt and pepper
Essential seasoning for balancing flavors and ensuring the chicken is well seasoned.
Green onions (optional)
Green onions add freshness, color, and a mild onion bite to the finished dish.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for four to five minutes per side until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced or diced jalapeños and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in a splash of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the broth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
Cover the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm with your preferred sides.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, searing takes 8–10 minutes, and simmering requires another 8–10 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 25–30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Jalapeño Chicken
Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce or sprinkle on top before serving.
Extra Spicy Version
Use serrano peppers or add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
Tex-Mex Style
Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the sauce.
Low-Carb Creamy Chicken
Serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly meal.
Cheesy Poblano Chicken
Replace jalapeños with roasted poblano peppers for smoky, mild flavor.
Herb-Infused Cream Sauce
Add fresh cilantro or parsley for brightness.
Monterey Jack Melt
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack to create a super-melty, mild sauce.
Mushroom Jalapeño Chicken
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the jalapeños for earthy depth.
Creamy Tomato Jalapeño Chicken
Add a spoonful of tomato paste to the sauce for sweetness and color.
One-Pan Pasta Version
Add cooked pasta and stir into the sauce for a complete skillet meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay tender and work beautifully in the creamy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild to moderate—remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or leave them in for more.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
It works, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I bake this instead of simmering?
Yes, assemble in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Does the cheese sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it will thicken slightly; loosen with broth when reheating.
Can I use canned jalapeños?
Fresh jalapeños provide better texture, but canned can be used in a pinch.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I add vegetables?
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
Will mozzarella work instead of cheddar?
Yes, mozzarella makes the sauce stretchier and milder.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—double everything except the chicken if you want extra sauce.
Conclusion
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors—all made in one skillet for easy cooking and cleanup. With tender chicken, melty cheese, and jalapeño heat, this dish brings bold comfort to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. It’s endlessly customizable, family-friendly, and delicious served with a variety of sides. Whether you’re craving something rich and satisfying or looking for a new go-to weeknight recipe, this dish delivers every time. Enjoy it hot and savor each cheesy, flavorful bite.
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