This one-pan dinner features succulent pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a velvety sauce of cream cheese, heavy cream, and melted cheddar. Infused with fresh sliced jalapeños and warm notes of cumin and smoked paprika, the skillet offers a rich, savory profile with a balanced, customizable heat. Finished with a glossy, cheese-thickened glaze, it provides a high-protein, low-carb meal that combines the comfort of a creamy casserole with the speed of a stovetop sauté.

About This Recipe

The chicken is seasoned with garlic and onion powder and seared at a high temperature to develop a golden crust while maintaining a tender interior. Fresh jalapeños are sautéed in the remaining pan drippings, releasing their aromatic oils and mild heat before being integrated into a base of softened cream cheese and heavy cream. This process creates a stable, fat-rich emulsion that thickens naturally as the shredded cheddar melts into the sauce, ensuring a cohesive coating that clings to the poultry.

The flavor is defined by the smoky depth of paprika and cumin, which complements the sharp, salty finish of the aged cheddar. High-fat dairy provides a dense mouthfeel that balances the clean, peppery bite of the jalapeños, resulting in a smooth consistency that avoids the need for flour-based thickeners. By returning the chicken to the skillet to simmer, the meat absorbs the savory spices and citrus-like heat of the peppers, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavor in every serving.

Typically served hot directly from the skillet, this meal is a functional choice for efficient weeknight cooking or batch meal prep. It portions easily and is often garnished with fresh cilantro to provide a bright, herbal contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce. The combination of its simple one-pan technique and its bold, southwestern-inspired profile makes it a reliable and sophisticated option for those seeking a satisfying, low-carb dinner with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-skillet, low cleanup
Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
Adjustable heat level
Perfect for keto macros
Meal-prep friendly
Fast weeknight dinner
Uses easy US grocery ingredients
Family-friendly flavor profile

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 jalapeños, sliced
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add jalapeños to the skillet and sauté 2 minutes.
Stir in cream cheese until melted, then pour in heavy cream and whisk smooth.
Add cheddar, smoked paprika, and cumin. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
Simmer 3 more minutes to blend flavors.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, they work perfectly and stay extra juicy.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat is mild, but you can remove seeds or adjust jalapeños.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Not recommended; the sauce depends on cheese and cream.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, the sauce thickens slightly but reheats creamy.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is possible, but dairy may separate slightly.
What sides go best with it?
Cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies keep it keto.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
Add cooked bacon for smoky flavor
Stir in diced green chiles
Add mushrooms or spinach for volume
Make it extra cheesy with more shredded cheese

Serving Suggestions

Over cauliflower rice
With roasted zucchini
With a simple green salad
On top of sautéed spinach

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