One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked, it’s a crowd-pleaser for those who love a bit of heat and gooey cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use milder peppers or reduce the amount of jalapeños if you prefer less heat.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for an extra spicy kick.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
- For a dairy-free version, try substituting cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper browning. If using frozen, fully thaw the chicken before starting the recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of jalapeños you use. Fresh jalapeños tend to be milder than pickled ones, so adjust according to your spice preference.
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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, then baked in a creamy, cheesy jalapeño sauce. With a smoky spice blend and melty cheddar cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour using just one oven-safe skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken with the cheesy jalapeño sauce.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, sautéing them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir continuously until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and sauce. This cheese topping will melt during baking to create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to add a fresh citrus twist to each bite.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by using fresh jalapeños for more heat or pickled ones for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- This recipe works best with an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: One Pan, Cheesy Chicken, Jalapeño Chicken, Easy Dinner, Spicy Chicken, Cheddar Cheese, Oven-Baked, Weeknight Meal
