Description
Keto Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful low-carb dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared and simmered in a creamy, spicy sauce made with jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar. This quick and easy recipe combines bold spices with a rich, cheesy sauce perfect for a satisfying keto meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 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
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (half of one 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
- Prepare spice mix: Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat skillet: Warm a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with nonstick spray or add up to 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with the prepared spice mixture on all sides.
- Sear chicken: Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, then add the chopped onion, diced jalapeños, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.
- Create sauce base: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce until well combined.
- Simmer chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Finish cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 6-8 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the cheese to melt.
Notes
- Seed jalapeños to reduce spice level if desired.
- Use full-fat dairy ingredients to keep the dish creamy and keto-friendly.
- Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete keto meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American