Jalapeno Chicken
Spicy jalapeño chicken with creamy spinach and melted Monterey Jack cheese offers bold flavors perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal with a hint of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
- cooked and diced chicken ⓘ
- 6 medium green chilies, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) frozen spinach ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 pt. sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. crushed tortilla corn chips ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove stems and seeds from chilies, reserving one for garnish. In a 10-inch skillet, cook chilies, onion, and garlic in salad oil until tender.
- Stir in cumin and cook for 1 minute.
- Add soup, salt, spinach, and break up the spinach with a fork. Cover and simmer until spinach is cooked.
- Stir in cooked, diced chicken and sour cream, then heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or fresh cilantro before serving. If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer jalapenos or substitute with bell peppers. You can also swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jalapeno Chicken hot, garnished with the reserved diced chili and a sprinkle of paprika for color. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans to complement the flavors. Browse more Mexican recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring regularly to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jalapeno Chicken contains roughly 1193 calories, with 54g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1561mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Sauté it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients, ensuring it's fully cooked before serving. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as it typically takes longer than using pre-cooked chicken.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, a mixture of chicken broth and a little cornstarch can work as a replacement.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a mix of beans like black beans or chickpeas, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a plant-based alternative. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian dish without compromising on flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).