Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Bacon and Jalapeños Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This creamy, cheesy chicken skillet recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce loaded with jalapeños and onions. The dish is baked and broiled to perfection, creating a golden, crispy cheese topping that will delight any crowd. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe balances spicy, savory, and creamy elements in a hearty skillet meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 8-10 slices thick-cut bacon (cut into pieces, 8-10 oz)
  • 2½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil (if needed)
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (one block)
  • ½ cup sour cream (4 oz)
  • 4 cups Colby Jack cheese (16 oz, freshly grated)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
  • 4 medium jalapeños (diced, about ½ cup, plus extra sliced into rounds for topping)
  • 6-8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 green onions (sliced, optional for topping)

Seasonings

  • 2½ teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet for later use.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of butter, oil, or reserved bacon fat to the skillet. Sear the chicken thighs in batches until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of about 190°F. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add a tablespoon of reserved bacon fat or butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onions and jalapeños with a pinch of salt until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in about one-third of the grated Colby Jack cheese along with the cooked bacon and bite-sized chicken pieces. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Top and Bake: Transfer the mixture evenly in the skillet if not already there. Top with sliced green onions (if using), the remaining grated Colby Jack cheese, and jalapeño rounds for garnish. Cover the skillet and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes.
  7. Broil for Finish: Remove the lid and switch the oven to broil on high. Broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese topping is golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for best heat distribution and oven compatibility.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice preference.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest after searing keeps it juicy before cutting.
  • If you don’t have Colby Jack cheese, a mild cheddar works well as a substitute.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-skillet-with-bacon-and-jalapenos-recipe/