One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a zesty, cheesy chicken dish with a bit of a kick, this One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe is perfect for you! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup since it’s all cooked in one pan. The combination of melty cheese, spicy jalapeños, and tender chicken makes this a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
2. Remove from Heat: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Do not clean the skillet—you’ll use it for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Jalapeño Sauce

1. Add Chicken Broth: Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and combined with the broth to create a smooth sauce.
3. Add Sour Cream and Cheddar: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
4. Add Jalapeños: Add the sliced jalapeños to the sauce, stirring to distribute them evenly. The heat level can be adjusted depending on whether you leave the seeds in the jalapeños.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the cheesy sauce.
2. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve: Serve the cheesy jalapeño chicken with a side of rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Cleanup: Since everything is made in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
• Perfectly Balanced Heat: The jalapeños add just the right amount of spice, and you can control the heat by adjusting the number of peppers or removing the seeds.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates a rich, indulgent sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Vegetables:

• For added nutrition, throw in some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when you return the chicken to the pan.

2. Adjust Spice Level:

• If you prefer a milder dish, use only one jalapeño and remove the seeds. For extra heat, add more jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

3. Swap the Protein:

• You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or pork chops. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

4. Serve with:

• This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or even a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit. With just the right amount of spice, a creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion. The best part is how easy it is to make with just one pan, minimal prep, and ingredients you likely have on hand. Add this recipe to your dinner rotation and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends!

Yield: 4

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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If you're craving a zesty, cheesy chicken dish with a bit of a kick, this One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe is perfect for you! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup since it’s all cooked in one pan. The combination of melty cheese, spicy jalapeños, and tender chicken makes this a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

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

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce:
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
   Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
6. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level. If you like it extra spicy, use fresh jalapeños with seeds. For a milder version, use pickled jalapeños.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.

Side Suggestions: This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.