Name: Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Sea salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided; 1 large onion, diced; 4 fresh garlic cloves, pressed; 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped; 1 cup chicken bone broth; 4 ounces organic cream cheese, at room temperature; ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Sliced jalapeño, to serve

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting creaminess, let me introduce you to the magic of this Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe. This dish masterfully blends tender chicken breasts with a luscious, spicy cheese sauce that’s perfectly balanced by fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for company but comes together fast enough for a weeknight winner. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four cooked chicken pieces in a white cast iron pan with blue handles. The chicken pieces are golden brown with some light brown spots and a few small bits of seasoning scattered around them. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, with a light beige cloth partially visible under the pan's top left edge. The texture of the chicken looks slightly crispy on the outside but smooth overall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a unique note to the dish—from the tender juiciness of the chicken to the spicy kick of jalapeños, and the rich creaminess of cheese and broth marrying everything together beautifully.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them ensures even cooking and tender bites throughout.
Sea salt and ground pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of your chicken.
2 tsps ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth that complements the spice.
2 tsps dried oregano: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle Mediterranean hint to the skillet.
2 Tbsps avocado oil or olive oil, divided: Perfect for a high-heat sear and to mellow out the sauce.
1 large onion, diced: Builds a savory base with a touch of sweetness.
4 fresh garlic cloves, pressed: For that unmistakable punch of robust flavor.
2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped: Fresh heat that brightens the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
1 cup chicken bone broth: Adds rich flavor and helps create the silky sauce.
4 oz organic cream cheese, at room temp: The secret to that irresistible creamy texture.
½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts into the sauce adding gooey warmth and a mild kick.
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that wakes up the palate.
Lime wedges, to serve: A zesty finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Sliced jalapeño, to serve: Extra heat for those who want to turn up the spice.

How to Make Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

The first key to this recipe is ensuring your chicken breasts cook evenly. Gently pounding the thickest parts gives you beautifully uniform pieces that won’t dry out. After patting them dry, generously season each breast with sea salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. A drizzle of avocado or olive oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages a lovely golden sear.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat the remaining oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook each chicken breast for about 4-6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown with a slight crisp on the edges and cooked through. This step locks in juices, ensuring a tender bite that’s full of flavor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, pressed garlic, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, waking up the senses. Pour in the chicken bone broth and let it simmer gently until reduced by half, intensifying the flavor while creating a perfect base for the creamy goodness to come.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

Lower the heat and add the room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth. This luscious, spicy creaminess is what makes this dish unforgettable. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and generously spoon the sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with the shredded Mexican cheese.

Step 5: Melt and Finish

Allow the sauce to bubble gently for a few minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly perfection and the chicken is heated through again. This final meld of flavors brings the dish together beautifully, making every bite rich, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.

How to Serve Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe

The image shows a white round pot with light blue handles filled with four pieces of cooked chicken in a thick cream sauce. The creamy sauce is pale yellow with small bits of green and orange vegetables mixed in, giving texture to the surface. The chicken pieces are slightly golden and sit partly submerged in the sauce. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with part of a beige cloth and a wooden board with chopped green herbs visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the hot skillet adds an herbal brightness that perfectly offsets the creamy sauce. Don’t skip the lime wedges either—just a quick squeeze over each serving cuts through the richness and elevates the flavors with a citrusy pop. Add some sliced jalapeño on top if you’re feeling adventurous and want to amplify the heat.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Try warm tortillas or fluffy rice to scoop up every last bit of the spicy creaminess. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad provide a crisp contrast and keep the meal balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the chicken on a platter topped with the sauce and garnishes right from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation. For a family-style feast, put out bowls of additional garnishes and sides so everyone can customize their plates. This recipe also shines when layered into a warm baked casserole or stuffed into a hearty sandwich for a midweek treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, gently transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it should stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner the next day.

Freezing

This Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe freezes well in portions. Just make sure to cool everything completely before sealing it in freezer-friendly containers or bags. It can last up to 2 months, so you’ll have a convenient, spice-filled meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat which keeps them juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time since thighs might take a little longer to cook through.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the jalapeños. You can adjust by reducing the number of peppers or removing the seeds if you prefer milder dishes. Adding extra sliced jalapeños for serving lets you customize the spice level at the table.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and omit the shredded cheese or use vegan cheese. The broth and spices still create a tasty sauce, though it won’t have quite the same creamy texture.

What if I don’t have bone broth?

Regular chicken broth or stock works well too. Bone broth adds extra depth, but any good-quality broth will keep the dish delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. This skillet is perfect for making ahead and reheating during busy weeks. Pair it with rice or veggies and you have convenient, satisfying meals ready to go.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet Recipe inspires you to bring some bold, creamy comfort to your dinner table. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite with its perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and fresh flavors. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!