
Keto Chicken Skillet with Jalapeño Cheddar Cream and Cilantro Cauliflower
An original keto recipe featuring skillet-seared chicken breast finished in a creamy jalapeño cheddar sauce, served with cilantro cauliflower. Flavorful, comforting, and low in carbohydrates.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 680 g chicken breast (skinless, en filetes gruesos)
- 500 g cauliflower (en floretes small)
- 140 g aged cheddar cheese (grated)
- 180 ml heavy cream (for the sauce)
- 120 ml chicken broth (without sugar added)
- 45 g jalapeño (without semillas and chopped fino)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 4 g onion powder
- 4 g smoked paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 30 g butter
- 30 ml olive oil
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
- 2
2. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until well browned. Transfer to a plate. If checking doneness later, the center should reach 165°F/74°C.
- 3
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and remaining olive oil. Add the small cauliflower florets with a pinch of salt and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until tender with golden edges. Remove the cauliflower and keep warm.
- 4
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped jalapeño and half of the garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits.
- 5
5. Add the heavy cream and cook for 2 minutes over gentle heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 6
6. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Cook over low heat for 4 to 6 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken, until fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. The chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.
- 7
7. Meanwhile, toss the warm cauliflower with the remaining garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and another small pinch of salt. Cook 1 additional minute to blend the flavors.
- 8
8. Serve the chicken covered with the jalapeño cheddar cream alongside the cilantro cauliflower. Adjust salt if needed and serve immediately.
Chef tips
For a milder sauce, use only half the jalapeño. Grate the cheddar fresh for better melting, and avoid rapidly boiling the cream so it stays smooth.
Substitutions
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast. Aged cheddar can be replaced with aged monterey jack or colby. Cilantro can be swapped for parsley if you prefer a milder flavor.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Keto Salmon Avocado Salad
27 min

Baked Eggs with Avocado
25 min

Keto Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Artichoke, Bacon and Fontina with Lemon Sage Butter
45 min

Keto Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Almond Crust and Rosemary Leek Cream
50 min

Keto Coconut Shrimp Skillet with Roasted Cauliflower and Lime
40 min

Creamy Keto Beef Skillet with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Blue Cheese
45 min