You know those nights when you're scrolling through endless dinner options, wanting something exciting but not complicated? Let me tell you about my go-to creamy chipotle chicken recipe that's become our family's Friday night tradition!
I discovered this recipe during one of those "what's in my pantry" moments last year. Emily was having friends over, and I needed something that would impress but wouldn't keep me tied to the kitchen all evening.
After a few tweaks (and maybe a tiny kitchen disaster involving too much adobo sauce - yikes!), we landed on this perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
The best part? This chipotle cream chicken comes together in just 30 minutes. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients - just pure, restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with my chipotle chicken burrito recipe and chipotle honey chicken for when you want to mix things up!
Whether you're cooking for date night or feeding the whole family, this chicken chipotle sauce recipe is about to become your new obsession. Trust me on this one!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal
- Perfectly balanced heat: Smoky chipotle peppers without overwhelming spice
- Restaurant-quality flavor: Tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant
- Versatile serving options: Works with rice, pasta, quinoa, or even in tacos
- Family-friendly: Adjustable spice level to suit everyone's taste
Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 (5-6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chipotle Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 chipotle peppers, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz. ⅓ less fat cream cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons plain non-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
How to Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken
Sear the Chicken Breasts
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the oil heats up, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This initial searing locks in the juices and creates that beautiful golden crust.
- Don't move the chicken around - let it develop that gorgeous color!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. (Don't worry, they'll finish cooking in the chipotle cream sauce!)
Build the Flavor Base
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the same pan. Those browned bits from the chicken? That's pure flavor gold!
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
- Then add the minced garlic and chipotle peppers. Sauté for just 30 seconds - you want that garlic fragrant but not burned.
Create the Chipotle Cream Sauce
- Here's where the magic happens! Add the adobo sauce, chicken broth, and cream cheese to the pan.
- Stir everything together until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- The combination of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce creates that perfect smoky heat that makes this dish so special. It's like homemade enchilada sauce but even creamier!
Finish Cooking the Chicken in Chipotle Sauce
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.
- Turn the chicken to coat it completely in the chipotle cream sauce.
- Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 7-9 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The exact time depends on how thick your chicken breasts are.
- I like to spoon some sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking - it keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Final Touches
- Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), turn off the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt.
- This adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top!
Tips and Techniques for Perfect Chipotle Sauce Chicken
Choose the Right Chicken Breasts
I always use chicken breasts for this recipe, but here's the thing - not all chicken breasts are created equal! Look for ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
If you have really thick breasts, you can pound them to an even thickness.
Controlling the Heat Level
The beauty of this creamy chipotle chicken is that you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Start with 1-2 chipotle peppers if you're sensitive to heat, or go up to 4-5 if you like it spicy.
The adobo sauce adds flavor more than heat, so feel free to use a bit extra!
Make It Your Own
This recipe reminds me of when I first tried making creamy garlic parmesan chicken - so many possibilities!
You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even black beans to make it heartier. Emily loves it when I add corn for a bit of sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Your Chicken Chipotle Sauce
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the creamy chipotle chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I recommend storing the chicken with the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
Reheating Tips
Before reheating, slice the chicken for more even heating. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making leftovers almost better than the original! We often enjoy it the next day, much like leftover grilled chili cilantro lime chicken.
Delicious Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe Variations
Different Protein Options
While this recipe is perfect with chicken breasts, you can easily substitute boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. They'll need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
You could even try it with firm fish or shrimp for a seafood twist!
Sauce Modifications
Want to make the chipotle cream sauce lighter? Use light cream cheese or even cottage cheese blended until smooth.
For a richer version, try using heavy cream instead of Greek yogurt. Each variation brings its own character to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of this chicken in chipotle cream sauce is amazing! We love it over:
- Steamed brown rice (my personal favorite)
- Quinoa for a protein boost
- Pasta for a fusion twist
- Mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes
- Inside warm tortillas for quick tacos
Sometimes I serve it alongside bacon breakfast burrito components for a breakfast-for-dinner night that Emily absolutely loves!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chipotle Chicken
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this creamy chipotle chicken recipe. They're naturally more moist and forgiving. Just adjust the cooking time - thighs typically need an extra 2-3 minutes to cook through completely.
This recipe has a mild to medium heat level using 3 chipotle peppers. The creaminess helps balance the spice. If you're new to chipotle peppers, start with 1-2 peppers and taste the sauce before adding more. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
No problem! You can substitute sour cream, or even skip it entirely. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang, but the dish will still be delicious without it. If you want that tangy flavor, you could add a squeeze of lime juice at the end.
Yes! You can prep the sauce ahead and even cook the chicken completely. Store everything together in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, do it gently and stir in fresh Greek yogurt right before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
This creamy chipotle chicken packs a protein punch with each serving containing about 39g of protein. At 365 calories per serving, it's a satisfying yet reasonable dinner option.
For those watching their carb intake, this pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this creamy chipotle chicken recipe, you'll also love these similar dishes from our kitchen:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Another one-pan wonder with incredible flavor
- Chipotle Honey Chicken - Sweet meets spicy in the best way
- Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken - Perfect for outdoor cooking season
Why This Chipotle Sauce Chicken is a Weeknight Winner
This creamy chipotle chicken recipe has honestly transformed our weeknight dinners. It's become one of those recipes I can make with my eyes closed (though I don't recommend that!), and Emily always knows when I'm making it because the whole house smells incredible.
The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make.
Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just Tuesday night dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest, and don't forget to share your results in the comments below! I love seeing how you make this dish your own.
Creamy Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 5-6 oz. each
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chipotle Cream Sauce
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 chipotle peppers minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz less fat cream cheese ⅓ less fat
- 2-3 tablespoons plain non-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to pan and sear for 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Remove chicken breasts from the skillet to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. (They will finish cooking later.)
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining two teaspoons olive oil to pan.
- Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and chipotle peppers and sauté for 30 more seconds.
- Add adobo sauce, chicken broth and cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and turn to coat in the sauce.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 7-9 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. (It will depend on how thick your chicken breasts are.) I like to spoon some of the sauce over the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time.
- Once chicken is cooked through, turn off heat and stir in Greek yogurt. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve chicken breasts with extra sauce spooned over the top, and enjoy!
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