There’s something irresistible about the smoky heat of chipotle paired with creamy, melty cheese. This Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that comes together in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tender, juicy chicken simmers in a rich, spicy sauce and gets smothered in gooey cheese—it’s pure comfort food with a kick!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken
This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, here’s why you’ll love it:
One-Pan Wonder
Fewer dishes, more flavor! Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Bold, Smoky Heat
Chipotle peppers add just the right amount of smoky spice without overpowering the dish.
Super Cheesy
Melted cheese takes this skillet chicken to the next level of indulgence.
Quick & Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious fast.
Customizable
Adjust the spice level, swap out the cheese, or add veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients in Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken
Here’s what makes this dish absolutely irresistible:
Chicken Breasts
The hearty base of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
These smoky, slightly spicy peppers add depth and heat to the sauce.
Garlic & Onion
Aromatic essentials that build flavor right from the start.
Heavy Cream
Adds richness and balances out the smoky heat with a creamy texture.
Shredded Cheese
Melts into the sauce, making it thick, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy.
Spices
A blend of cumin, paprika, and a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
Fresh Cilantro
A bright, herby finish that complements the spice and richness of the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, paprika, and cumin, then sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the chicken.
Make the Sauce
Add chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt into the sauce for the ultimate cheesy finish.
Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice, tortillas, or a side of roasted veggies.
How to Serve Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Rice: The sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy white or brown rice.
- With Tortillas: Wrap it up in warm tortillas for a cheesy, spicy taco-style meal.
- Paired with Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or a crisp salad make great sides.
- With Crusty Bread: Soak up all that creamy, smoky sauce with a slice of toasted bread.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you love extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce from separating.
- Make It Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies instead of tortillas or regular rice.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
How can I make this less spicy?
Use only one chipotle pepper or omit the adobo sauce to tone down the heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately, then reheat and add the cheese before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I freeze Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as delicious and slightly juicier.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Rice, tortillas, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad all complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be great additions.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken is the ultimate one-pan meal—rich, smoky, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with tortillas, or alongside roasted veggies, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Try it out and get ready to fall in love with this cheesy, smoky masterpiece!
Print
Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken is a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, smoky chipotle seasoning, black beans, hatch chilies, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a quick, high-protein meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over white rice and top with Greek yogurt for a creamy, satisfying finish!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 small/medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can hatch chilies
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 3 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- For Serving:
- Sliced green onion
- Chopped cilantro
- White rice
- Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add black beans, hatch chilies, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Skillet:
- Stir in the corn, then nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake & Broil:
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Top with chopped cilantro and green onions.
- Serve over white rice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more chipotle powder.
- Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg