Keto Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet is a rich, spicy, low-carb dinner made with tender seared chicken simmered in a cheesy jalapeño cream sauce. This Keto Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet recipe delivers bold flavor, quick prep, and a satisfying fat-to-protein balance perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and weight-loss friendly eating.
About This Recipe
This Keto Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet brings together bold flavor and effortless weeknight cooking in a way that feels both comforting and restaurant-quality. The combination of juicy pan-seared chicken, fresh jalapeños, rich cream cheese, and melted cheddar creates a deeply satisfying low-carb dish without any complicated steps or special tools. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you want a full meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
The creamy jalapeño sauce is what makes this recipe stand out. Fresh jalapeños add a clean heat that’s more flavorful than spicy, and when paired with cream cheese and heavy cream they create a silky texture that coats every bite of chicken. The cheddar melts into the sauce and gives the whole dish a savory, slightly sharp finish that balances the richness perfectly. Even people who aren’t strict keto eaters love this combination because it tastes indulgent without feeling heavy. The dish also reheats extremely well, which makes it a strong choice for meal prep lunches or batch-cooked dinners.
Another important benefit is how customizable the recipe is depending on your preferred spice level and protein needs. You can easily adjust the jalapeños, swap in chicken thighs, or add extra cheese if you want a higher-fat version for deeper ketosis. It pairs effortlessly with common keto sides like cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini, or a fresh crisp salad. Because the ingredients are simple and widely available in the US, it’s a reliable go-to dinner that fits perfectly into both weight-loss and long-term low-carb lifestyles. This skillet meal delivers the ideal balance of flavor, convenience, and keto-friendly macros every single time.
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
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Fat: ~38g
- Protein: ~40g
- Net Carbs: ~4g
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
Keto Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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