Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food – One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
Are you craving a delicious, low-carb meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up? Look no further than One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken! This fantastic recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a keto-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Made with tender, juicy chicken breasts, flavorful spices, and a creamy, cheesy jalapeño sauce, this recipe has become a go-to for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
In this recipe, you’ll learn everything you need to create a mouthwatering One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken that will impress your family, fit seamlessly into your meal prep, and keep you full without the carbs. This dish is not only low-carb but also customizable—perfect for those who love to turn up the heat with jalapeños or prefer a milder flavor. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Recipe Card: One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
Recipe Name: One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
Description: This One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a delicious, spicy, and cheesy chicken recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly, and ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, ( half of a small onion).
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
Mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this seasoning blend over each side of the chicken breasts. - Sear the Chicken
Warm a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butter. When melted, place the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they don’t touch.Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onions and jalapeños, cooking until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic in the last minute for a burst of aroma. - Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to prevent curdling, and pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted. Add half of the shredded cheddar, stirring until the sauce is smooth. - Combine and Simmer
Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy your One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken with cauliflower rice or a side of veggies!
Notes
- Net Carbs: Approximately 4.3 grams per serving.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this meal for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.1g
- Protein: 40.3g
- Fat: 26.5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
Why You’ll Love One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
This One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe is bound to be a hit in your kitchen! Here are some top reasons to love it:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With only 5 net carbs, it’s perfect for keto diets and low-carb meal plans.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices, jalapeños, and creamy cheese brings out a unique, satisfying flavor.
- One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to relax!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance for easy lunches and dinners.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken Breast: For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs work well, too, and bring an extra juiciness.
- Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp, delicious flavor, but pepper jack or mozzarella can be used if you prefer.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the amount of jalapeños for the desired level of spice. For less heat, replace with diced green chilis.
- Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese: These create a rich, creamy sauce that’s a staple of the keto diet. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead, but note that the sauce may be a bit thinner.
How to Make One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring your spices, chopping onions and jalapeños, and mincing the garlic. It’s always easier when everything is ready to go. - Season and Sear the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken well helps build flavor. Be sure to sear it just until browned to seal in the juices. This step gives the chicken a golden crust that’s delicious and locks in moisture. - Sauté the Veggies
Cooking the onions and jalapeños in the same skillet enhances the flavors, and adding garlic at the end releases its aroma without burning it. - Make the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
Adding heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese to the skillet forms a luxurious sauce. Use low heat, and stir in the cheese to make it smooth and creamy. - Simmer to Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the sauce and reach the perfect temperature. Sprinkle more cheddar on top and cover, letting it simmer until the cheese is gooey and the chicken is done. - Enjoy!
This One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is best enjoyed hot, with a keto-friendly side like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or simply on its own!
Expert Tips for Success (One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken)
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too small, sear the chicken in batches to allow even browning.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder flavor, reduce the jalapeños or remove all seeds. To kick it up a notch, leave some seeds or add another pepper.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion elevate the dish with a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Variations and Customizations (One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken)
- Make it Spicier: Leave in some jalapeño seeds or add extra peppers like serranos for more heat.
- Different Cheese Options: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier taste, or use pepper jack for extra spice.
- Add More Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture, making it a more veggie-packed dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
how to store One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
Refrigerator : Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to keep the sauce smooth, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete keto meal, pair this One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken with:
- Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb side is perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Keto Tortillas: Use them to wrap the chicken for a low-carb twist on burritos.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this keto chicken dinner in advance?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge, and when ready to eat, gently reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can replace the jalapeños with mild green chilis or bell peppers. This will keep the flavor but eliminate most of the heat.
What if I like it super spicy?
For extra heat, include the seeds of the jalapeños or add additional spicy peppers like serrano or habanero.
Do you have to use chicken breast?
Not necessarily! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a juicy and flavorful alternative that work well with this recipe.
What types of cheese work best?
Cheddar is great for its sharp taste, but you can also use pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a milder option.
Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, here are more one-pan keto meals to try:
- One Pan Cheesy Fajita Chicken
- Keto Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Spicy Kung Pao Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Keto Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Conclusion
This One Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken has all the elements of a perfect keto recipe: it’s low-carb, rich in flavor, quick to make, and uses minimal cleanup! Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cheesy, satisfying dish, this recipe will hit the spot. Give it a try and see how easy it is to bring bold flavors to your table while staying keto-friendly. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite!
2 Comments