Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

There’s something magical about a dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Creamy Chipotle Chicken. I remember the first time I made this recipe; the smoky aroma of the chipotle sauce filled my kitchen and had my family eagerly awaiting dinner. It was one of those evenings where I felt inspired to create something special but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of tossing together a few key ingredients and letting them meld into a delicious meal made this dish a quick hit. Now, it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

As the chicken cooks, it absorbs all the incredible flavors from the sauce, creating a dish that’s not just satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, Creamy Chipotle Chicken always brings smiles and compliments to the table. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
400 kcal
Protein:
30 g
Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free
Fat:
28 g
Tools Used:
12-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

The Magic of This Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Flavor Explosion

What sets Creamy Chipotle Chicken apart is the delightful fusion of flavors. The creamy sauce made from cream cheese and sour cream pairs perfectly with the smoky kick of chipotle peppers, creating a taste experience that dances on your palate. Each bite offers a balance of creaminess and heat, making this dish memorable.

Easy to Make

This recipe shines in its simplicity. With minimal prep work and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can bring this dish to life. It’s as easy as mixing a few ingredients, rolling up the chicken, and allowing the oven to do the work. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up something that feels gourmet.

Versatile Serving Options

Creamy Chipotle Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice for a comforting dish, or shred the chicken to use in tacos or burritos. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The options are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish fits the bill. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests yet simple enough for a family meal. You’ll find it suits any occasion beautifully.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This recipe is a great candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just bake when you’re ready to eat! This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays.

Kid-Approved

Kids love this dish! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are appealing to young taste buds, and the flavors aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. It’s a win-win for parents and children alike.

Ingredients for Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

When it comes to Creamy Chipotle Chicken, the magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures provided by the key ingredients. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a creamy, smoky, and savory dish. From the richness of cream cheese to the heat of chipotle peppers, these ingredients are designed to complement one another beautifully, ensuring a delicious outcome.

  • 6 chicken breast cutlets: The star of the show, these provide lean protein and absorb the sauce’s flavors wonderfully.
  • 6 tablespoons cream cheese: Adds a rich creaminess that makes the sauce luscious.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its savory notes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes depth and sweetness to the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the other flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken, adding flavor and moisture.
  • 1 28-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes: The base of the sauce, adding acidity and sweetness.
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo: Brings a smoky heat that elevates the dish.
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion: Fresh onion adds texture and flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped: Fresh garlic adds a stronger flavor and aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Additional seasoning for the sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: More seasoning to enhance flavor.
  • 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.

The Process for Making Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Making Creamy Chipotle Chicken is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Let’s take this step by step and create something memorable together. Follow along closely, and you’ll have a delicious dish that impresses everyone.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Lay out your chicken cutlets on a clean surface. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This mixture will become the flavorful filling for your chicken.
  3. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken cutlet. Make sure to cover the surface well for maximum flavor.
  4. Gently roll up the cutlets lengthwise, securing the filling inside. If any cutlets seem uncooperative, feel free to use toothpicks to hold them closed.
  5. In a 12-inch high-sided oven-safe skillet, add your olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering—this will help achieve a nice golden-brown color on the chicken.
  6. When the oil is hot, add your rolled chicken cutlets, seam side down. Brown them on all sides for a few minutes. You won’t need to worry about cooking them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
  7. Once browned, remove the skillet from heat and prepare your sauce. In a high-powered blender, combine the diced tomatoes, chipotle chilies, diced onion, chopped garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  8. Pour the sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  9. Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the middle of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, as tested with an instant-read thermometer.
  10. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a juicier chicken.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain moisture and improve flavor.
  • Scaling the Recipe: You can easily double or halve this recipe depending on your needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Checking Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165 degrees F.
  • Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality ingredients like fresh chicken and organic cream cheese will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Recipe Tips about Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

To make the most out of your cooking experience with Creamy Chipotle Chicken, here are some essential tips. These insights will help you achieve the best results and enjoy a delicious meal.

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
  • Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about three months.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm tortillas to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor and presentation.
  • Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or use fresh bell peppers instead.
  • Experimenting: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

Best Served With

When serving Creamy Chipotle Chicken, consider these ideas to enhance the dining experience. Each suggestion not only complements the dish but adds variety to your meal.

  • Steamed Rice: A fluffy bed of rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Warm Tortillas: Serve with tortillas to make the dish even more interactive and fun.
  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
  • Roasted Veggies: Add seasonal roasted vegetables on the side for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Seasonal Occasions: Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or even casual dinner parties.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.

FAQ

The best way to store leftovers of Creamy Chipotle Chicken is to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dish. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy it for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm it in the microwave to maintain its creamy texture, or you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast cutlets for Creamy Chipotle Chicken. However, it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as directed. Using thawed chicken will help you achieve the desired tenderness and flavor.

The spiciness of the chipotle sauce can vary depending on how many chipotle peppers you use. The recipe calls for two chipotle peppers in adobo, which gives a nice smoky flavor with moderate heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you might want to start with just one chipotle pepper and adjust according to your taste. The creaminess from the cream cheese and sour cream helps mellow the heat, making it enjoyable for most people.

Creamy Chipotle Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Some popular choices include steamed rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce well, and warm tortillas for a more interactive meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, making for a well-rounded dinner. Feel free to mix and match sides based on your family’s preferences.

Conclusion

Creamy Chipotle Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the richness of creamy flavors with a hint of smokiness that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. I encourage you to try this recipe, whether for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish can become a favorite!

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chipotle Chicken combines creamy textures with a smoky kick in a delicious weeknight dinner. With easy preparation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress. Make it tonight for a meal everyone will love!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces chicken breast cutlets
  • 6 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 28-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream

Equipment

  • 12-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
  • Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Lay out your chicken cutlets and in a small bowl mix together cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken cutlet.
  4. Gently roll up the cutlets lengthwise and set them aside. If your cutlets will not stay closed feel free to place a few toothpicks just to keep them closed.
  5. In a 12-inch high-sided oven-safe skillet add your olive oil and set over medium-high heat.
  6. When your oil is hot add your chicken cutlets, seam side down, and brown the outside of your chicken cutlets.
  7. You do not need to worry about them being cooked all the way through as they will continue to cook in the next step. Once browned remove from the heat and make your sauce.
  8. In a high-powdered blender add diced tomatoes, chipotle chilies, onion, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and sour cream.
  9. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  10. Pour sauce over the browned chicken and add the skillet to the oven.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the middle of the chicken is 165 degrees F when tested with an instant-read or meat thermometer.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
  • Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about three months.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm tortillas to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor and presentation.
  • Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or use fresh bell peppers instead.
  • Experimenting: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

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