One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors that everyone will love.
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)
- 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, mix 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. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Pour in chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the 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 pickled jalapeños for a tangier, less spicy flavor or fresh jalapeños for more heat.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or water if needed.
- Try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra kick.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook the chicken.
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 fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the jalapeños used. Pickled jalapeños tend to be milder, while fresh jalapeños add more spice. Adjust the amount or remove seeds to control heat.
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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 delicious and easy-to-make dinner featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a creamy jalapeño cheese sauce. Perfectly baked in one skillet, this flavorful dish combines the heat of jalapeños with smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and melted cheddar for a comforting meal served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mixture 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
To Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and cheese sauce together.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth and continue stirring to combine and thicken the sauce slightly. Then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and sauce, distributing evenly to allow melting during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by using fewer jalapeños or opting for pickled ones which are milder.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce into a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to complement the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken, jalapeño, cheese, creamy chicken, baked chicken, one pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken
