One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s cooked all in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum taste.
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, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly on 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 the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce 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 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 evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for extra brightness.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder dish, use less jalapeño or opt for pickled jalapeños to tone down the heat.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne if you want an extra kick of spice.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy flavors.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce may separate.
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, thaw completely in the refrigerator before starting.
What can I serve with this cheesy jalapeño chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to balance the creamy, spicy flavors.
Print
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. Seared to golden perfection and baked in one skillet, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
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
Jalapeño Cheese 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 and Serving
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 per side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Reduce 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 fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce in the skillet.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by using fresh jalapeños for more heat or pickled jalapeños for milder flavor.
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
- For a creamier sauce, you may add a little more sour cream or cream cheese.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken, jalapeño, cheese, baked chicken, spicy chicken, one pan meal, easy dinner
