This Green Chile Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish made in just 20 minutes using leftover shredded chicken thighs! Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal, this one-skillet recipe is packed with bold flavors from green chiles, cheddar cheese, and warm spices. Serve it on its own, over rice, or in tortillas for an easy weeknight dinner!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tbsp unsalted butter (0.5 oz)
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (de-seed to reduce spiciness)
1 ⅓ cups (112g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup (120mL) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (120mL) whole milk
2 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles
1 ¼ tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
⅛ tsp salt
5 cups (~22.5 oz) shredded cooked chicken thighs

Optional Garnish:

1-3 tbsp finely chopped green onions

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Jalapeño

In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add chopped jalapeño and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, cream cheese, green chiles, and spices.
Cook until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Chicken & Cheese Topping

Stir in shredded chicken and mix well.
Reduce heat to low and flatten the mixture into an even layer in the skillet.
Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup shredded cheddar on top.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese & Serve

Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling (about 5 minutes).
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 520mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Why You’ll Love This Green Chile Chicken

This cheesy, spicy chicken skillet is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and creamy textures. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
One-Skillet Recipe – Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup.
Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – With only 4g of carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
Packed with Flavor – Green chiles, jalapeño, smoked paprika, and cheddar create a rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch in advance and enjoy it for lunches, dinners, or snacks throughout the week.
Versatile & Customizable – Serve it on its own, in tortillas, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish So Delicious

Each ingredient in this Green Chile Chicken recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors:

Shredded Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite tender and delicious.
Green Chiles – These add a mild, smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Jalapeño – Adds an extra kick of spice, but you can adjust the heat by removing the seeds or using a milder pepper.
Cheddar Cheese – A sharp, melty cheese that gives the dish its rich, gooey texture.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk – Create a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Cream Cheese – Helps thicken the sauce and adds a slightly tangy depth of flavor.
Chili Powder, Cumin & Smoked Paprika – A blend of warm Mexican spices that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

This dish has a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference:

Mild Version – Use mild green chiles and skip the jalapeño.
Medium Heat – Follow the recipe as written for a balanced level of spice.
Extra Spicy – Add extra jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Ways to Serve Green Chile Chicken

This creamy, cheesy chicken dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:

On Its Own – Serve in a bowl with a spoon for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
Over Rice – Pile it over white rice, brown rice, or cilantro lime rice for a heartier meal.
In Warm Tortillas – Use flour or corn tortillas to make tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
With Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower for a nutrient-packed plate.
Over Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb alternative that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
With Crispy Tortilla Chips – Perfect for dipping if you want a fun, nacho-style meal.
As a Baked Casserole – Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for a bubbly, cheesy casserole.

How to Customize This Recipe

This dish is easy to modify, so you can make it your own based on your preferences:

Swap the Cheese – Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Use Different Protein – Substitute shredded turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp for a twist.
Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Add More Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Turn It Into a Soup – Add chicken broth to thin out the sauce for a rich, creamy soup.

Best Toppings for Green Chile Chicken

Take your dish to the next level with these delicious toppings:

Chopped Green Onions – Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creamy sauce.
Cilantro – A bright, herby touch that enhances the flavors.
Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy sauce.
Sour Cream – A little extra coolness to balance out the heat.
Crispy Tortilla Strips – Adds a crunchy texture for contrast.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This Green Chile Chicken is great for meal prep and stores beautifully:

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
- Oven – Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Green Chile Chicken is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

What if I don’t have green chiles?
You can substitute with diced bell peppers, mild salsa verde, or extra jalapeños.

Conclusion

This Green Chile Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tortillas, or as a casserole, this dish is easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for meal prep.

With only 20 minutes of cooking time and one skillet required, it’s a stress-free meal that delivers huge flavor. Plus, with keto-friendly and low-carb options, it fits into a variety of diets.

Try this cheesy, spicy, and satisfying recipe today, and bring bold, delicious flavors to your dinner table!

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Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs