Cheesy Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken with Corn

Ingredients

• 14 oz chicken tenders or breast
• olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp cayenne
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• salt and black pepper (to taste)
• olive oil (for the sauce)
• 1 white onion (small, finely diced)
• 3 jalapeños (medium, sliced, 50-70% of seeds removed)
• 2 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 7 oz cream cheese
• 0.25 cup cream (up to 1/2 cup (120 ml) depending on desired consistency)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (heaping)
• 1 cup corn (drained)
• salt and black pepper (to taste)
• cooked rice (hot, for serving)
• fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken with paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit to marinate for 10–20 minutes.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, sauté the finely diced white onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add most of the sliced jalapeños (reserve a few for garnish) and cook for 1–2 minutes.

6. 6

   Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the chicken broth, cream cheese, and cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.

7. 7

   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted.

8. 8

   Add the drained corn and mix well. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until it has thickened.

9. 9

   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly in the sauce.

10. 10

    Sprinkle the reserved jalapeño slices on top for extra flavor and color. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.

11. 11

    Scoop the chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

The author recommends removing the chicken from the pan before starting the sauce to prevent overcooking, even though they accidentally added aromatics before removing it in the video demonstration. Adjust the amount of cream based on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• cheesy
• spicy
• comfort food
• skillet
• dinner