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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken with the cheesy jalapeño sauce.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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