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Spicy and creamy at the same time? Yes, please! This one-pan cheesy jalapeno chicken is low-carb, high protein, and gluten-free.
Who says that comfort food must be boring? This meal is one of my favorite go-to options when I am craving something hot and steady, but that packs a punch of flavor.
The best thing about this recipe is that it takes less than 45 minutes to make. And trust me, you are not going to want to wait a minute longer to taste this amazing and flavorful recipe!
With only 5 grams of net carbs, this is the perfect option for those who are following a low-carb or keto option. Each serving provides a whopping 52 grams of protein and enough fat (31 grams) to help cover your energy needs.
The good thing about this recipe is that you can easily modify it to make it your own. For example, you can add some mushrooms or quinoa to take this dish to a whole new level.
Or, you can simply have it on its own and I can assure you that you are still going to love it as much as I do.
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Pin ItThis one-pot perfection is an ideal recipe for those who hate having a ton of dishes to clean at the end. I mean, I love cooking, but I don’t like washing all the dishes afterward.
However, you are only going to need a couple of bowls, a chopping board, a stirring spoon, a knife, and the pot. You are not going to need a lot to make this amazing recipe!
Ingredients and Substitutes
4 small chicken breasts – For a vegan or vegetarian meal, switch to tofu.
Cumin (1 tsp) – Don’t skip this ingredient since it adds a lot of flavor.
Paprika (1/2 tsp) – You can replace this ingredient with cayenne pepper (or if you are feeling adventurous and want smokiness, you can add chipotle powder).
Chili powder (1/2 tsp) –
Garlic powder (1 tsp) – You can also use garlic flakes
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Other good oil replacements include avocado oil or flaxseed oil
Butter (1 tbsp) – If you want your recipe to be extra rich and creamy, try using ghee instead.
1/2 white onion – For those who are feeling lazy, you can use onion powder or onion flakes.
2 jalapenos – If you want to reduce the spiciness, make sure that you remove the seeds.
3 garlic cloves – Just like with onion, you can use more garlic powder or garlic flakes if you don’t want to cut garlic. (My favorite hack is to have some chopped garlic in olive oil in the fridge when I need some).
Heavy cream (1/4 cup) – Don’t use a low-fat version since this can affect the texture of the recipe.
Chicken broth (1/3 cup)
Cream cheese (2 oz) – Just like with heavy cream, use the full-fat version since it adds more creaminess.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) – You can use other options like Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or Gouda.
Sliced jalapenos
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Step 1. Grab a small bowl and combine the cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Now, rub the chicken with the spice blend, making sure it coats all sides.
Step 2. Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the chicken breast on the skillet.
Step 3. Cook the chicken breasts until they turn brown on each side. It should take roughly 2-3 minutes per side. A total of 4-6 minutes.
Step 4. Set the chicken to the side and add the butter to the very same skillet. When it has melted, add the onions, jalapenos, and garlic.
Step 5. Sauté all the ingredients for 3-4 minutes. Mix it around with a spatula.
Step 6. Next, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Stir them all together with a spatula.
Step 7. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the cream cheese has melted. It shouldn’t take too long, just a couple of minutes.
Step 8. Afterward, add the ½ cup of cheddar cheese to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
Step 9. Grab the chicken breasts and add them to the skillet. Add the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and cover the chicken breasts.
Step 10. Place the lid on the skillet and simmer on low heat for roughly 6-8 minutes. The bigger the chicken breasts, the longer they’ll need to cook.
Take it away from the heat, and when you are ready to eat it, garnish it with jalapeno slices. They’ll add the extra spiciness, so it’s not for the weak!
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Pin ItBest Side Dishes for Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
I have to be honest with you: I love this recipe on its own. However, I also enjoy having it with other sides that complement the flavors of the dish.
Here are some of my favorite side dishes to have with this cheesy jalapeno chicken.
- Grilled vegetables
- Cooked quinoa
- Mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower mash (keto option)
- Green salad (keto option)
- Pasta or zucchini noodles
Leftovers and Storage
When you are done eating your portions, you are definitely going to want to save the rest. To do so, I’ve found that the best containers are the glass ones. They make the food last longer and preserve the flavors.
Keep in mind that in the fridge, it may last 3-4 days, depending on the storage conditions.
You can also store it in the freezer, and while it can be delicious, it won’t be as delicious as the fresh option. Still, it’s a good recipe to use when meal prepping and have on those cold winter nights.
Other Low Carb Recipes
- Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chicken Broccoli Bake
- Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
- Baked Crack Chicken
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 white onion finely chopped
- 2 jalapenos seeded and diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Sliced jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
- Combine cumin, paprika, chili, garlic, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub all sides of the chicken breasts with the mixture of spices.
- Heat up a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Brown the chicken breasts in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side and set them aside.
- Add butter to the skillet. Then, onion, jalapenos and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese and reduce the heat to low. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts. Around 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and stir it in.
- Now, add in the chicken breasts and cover with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Place a lid on the skillet and simmer over low heat for 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with slices of jalapenos on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
