Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This creamy smoky Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe is made with tender chicken breasts, chipotle peppers, and heavy cream, and ready in 30 minutes. Slicing into the pan-seared chicken reveals a perfectly golden crust completely smothered in a rich, spicy sauce. I rely on this quick dinner during busy weeknights.

Why This Classic Works

Balancing spice with heavy cream creates a sauce that is rich without being overwhelming. The chipotle peppers in adobo provide a deep, earthy heat that coats the chicken perfectly. I used to add too much chicken broth, which made the sauce too thin.

Now I stick to equal parts broth and cream to ensure a thick, luxurious texture. Simmering the chicken directly in the sauce allows the meat to absorb all those smoky flavors. This simple method guarantees a tender bite every single time.

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Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe

1. Season The Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear The Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove to a plate.
3. Sauté The Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build The Sauce: Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Melt The Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
6. Combine And Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the meat, and simmer for 2 more minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before chopping if you prefer a milder sauce.
• Use heavy cream: Avoid using milk or half-and-half, as the sauce may curdle or fail to thicken properly.
• Pound the chicken: Ensure your chicken cutlets are an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Scrape the pan: Use a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet after adding the broth.

What To Serve With Creamy Chipotle Chicken

This spicy and rich dish pairs well with neutral bases that can soak up the extra sauce. Serve it over white rice, linguine, or mashed potatoes. A side of roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad helps cut through the heavy cream.

How To Store

Keep leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this dish. They will need about 6 to 7 minutes per side to cook through completely.

What can I substitute for adobo sauce?

If you cannot find chipotles in adobo, you can use a mix of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper. However, the authentic smoky flavor will be slightly diminished.

Why did my cream sauce separate?

Boiling heavy cream at too high of a temperature can cause it to break. Always lower the heat to a gentle simmer before adding the dairy.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g