This Easy Pepper Jack Chicken is a winner! Juicy chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick from the pepper jack cheese is simply irresistible.
I love making this dish for dinner because it’s quick and tastes like a restaurant treat! Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ll be smiling with every bite. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is the way to go for easy cooking, but you can use thighs if you like a bit more flavor. Thighs stay juicy, even when cooked longer.
Pepper Jack Cheese: This is the star of the dish, giving it a spicy kick! If you want a milder version, Monterey Jack works well. For more heat, try adding some shredded jalapeño cheese.
Heavy Cream: It creates a rich and creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream can work too, but the flavor will change.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, water is a fine substitute. Just remember, broth adds flavor so you might need a pinch more salt if using water.
How Do I Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
The key to a smooth creamy sauce lies in how you combine the ingredients. Start with a warm skillet after cooking the chicken; this helps the garlic release its flavor without burning. Here’s how to do it:
- Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to lift up the delicious bits stuck to the pan.
- Once you add the heavy cream, gently bring to a simmer before stirring in the cheese. This ensures it melts evenly.
Take your time; avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to curdle. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted for that perfect, creamy texture!
Easy Pepper Jack Chicken with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short amount of time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). This adds flavor to the chicken!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Broth:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift any delicious brown bits.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve this delicious chicken hot with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your Easy Pepper Jack Chicken! 😊
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works too, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also choose to mix in a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Serve with Pepper Jack Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it over rice, pasta, or quinoa. You can also go for some roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad to balance the creamy sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
