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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe is a deliciously creamy and spicy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a jalapeño-infused cheese sauce. It combines smoky spices, fresh and pickled jalapeños, and a melty blend of cheddar and cream cheeses, making it a perfect comforting meal with a kick. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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

  • 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

Garnish

  • 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 later.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure flavorful meat.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to prepare the sauce.
  4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. 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 continue stirring the sauce until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce within the skillet.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully during baking.
  7. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the cheese on top 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 added bright and tangy flavor.

Notes

  • For milder heat, use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter sauce.
  • Using an oven-safe skillet like cast iron ensures easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to guarantee doneness.
  • Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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