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
