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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. Finished in the oven with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish is perfect for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled, depending on spice preference)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and cheese sauce.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture thoroughly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth and combined.
  5. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce within the skillet.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy topping once baked.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of bright flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños for a brighter, fresher heat or pickled jalapeños for a tangier taste.
  • Chicken broth can be substituted with water for a lighter sauce.
  • To make this recipe spicier, add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
  • This recipe works well with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sauce and chicken to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken, cheesy chicken, jalapeño chicken, one pan recipe, baked chicken, spicy chicken, dinner, easy chicken recipe

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Find it online: https://gabriellangdon.com/one-pan-cheesy-jalapeno-chicken-recipe/