why make this recipe
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet is a delicious dish that combines the flavors of spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese with tender chicken. It’s a quick one-pan meal that saves you from making a mess in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
how to make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Jalapeños
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them in the skillet until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the cheesy mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet
This dish is best served hot. You can enjoy it by itself or with some crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
how to store Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet
If you have leftovers, let the skillet cool down. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the skillet or microwave before serving.
tips to make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet
- Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance.
- Feel free to add other toppings, like chopped green onions or crispy breadcrumbs, for extra flavor and texture.
variation
You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Other variations include adding different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, for extra spice.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a meat substitute or use hearty vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
3. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Then, cook them on the day you want to enjoy the dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken thighs Use skinless for lower fat content.
- 4 slices Bacon Cooked until crispy.
- 1 medium Onion Diced.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 2 medium Jalapeños Chopped, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
- 8 oz Cream cheese Softened.
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them in the skillet until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the cheesy mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.