How do I make creamy jalapeno chicken less spicy?

To reduce the heat in your creamy jalapeno chicken, remove all seeds and white membranes (pith) from the jalapeu00f1os before mincing them. These parts contain most of the capsaicin, which causes the spice. You can also use fewer jalapeu00f1os or substitute one with a milder green bell pepper for flavor without the intense heat.

What can I serve with creamy jalapeno chicken?

Creamy jalapeno chicken is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with white rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a taco-style meal, or with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to complete your dinner.

Can I make creamy jalapeno chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this creamy jalapeno chicken recipe is excellent for meal prep! It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

What kind of chicken is best for this creamy jalapeno chicken recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well for creamy jalapeno chicken. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly, while chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand; just ensure it's cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

Creamy Jalapeno Chicken: 7 Delicious Ways to Spice Up

Name: Creamy Jalapeno Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3-4 jalapeños, deseeded and minced (or left with seeds for more heat); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: Lime wedges for serving

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3–4 jalapeños, deseeded and minced (or left with seeds for more heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced jalapeños and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in fresh cilantro. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve the creamy jalapeno chicken hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra spice, leave some seeds in one or two of the peppers. This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner Dishes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: creamy jalapeno chicken, jalapeno chicken, creamy chicken, spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, Tex-Mex chicken

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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