Introduction

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner option that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something comforting yet quick to prepare.

This image shows six pieces of cooked chicken breasts in a black skillet, each topped with a smooth, melted yellow cheese sauce. On top of the cheese and scattered around are sliced fresh green jalapeno peppers, adding a bright pop of green. The chicken is golden brown with a slightly crisp texture visible under the cheese. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled over everything, giving a fresh look. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, creating a creamy sauce. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Step 8: 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 9: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use pickled jalapeños for a tangier, milder heat or fresh jalapeños if you prefer it spicier.
Swap cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
To make it a one-pot meal, add some sliced bell peppers or spinach to the sauce before baking.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a black pan filled with six pieces of cooked chicken breast, each piece topped with a smooth, melted yellow cheese layer. The chicken has a lightly browned, slightly crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy cheese on top. Scattered over the chicken and cheese are fresh green slices of jalapeño peppers, adding vibrant color and texture. Small green herb bits are sprinkled across the dish, adding freshness and detail. The black pan contrasts with the bright colors of the food, and the surface beneath it is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 so they cook evenly. If using frozen, thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking.

How can I reduce the spiciness of the dish?

Remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use milder peppers like poblano. You can also reduce the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat preference.

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 55 reviews

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and baked in a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. With a blend of smoky spices, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro garnish, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner that can be prepared entirely in one skillet and finished in the oven.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce & Toppings

2 tablespoons olive oil
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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when the skillet goes in.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts for a flavorful crust.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest briefly.
Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt, then sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir continuously, allowing the sauce to become creamy and slightly thicken. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them into the sauce evenly.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken and sauce, covering the breasts well.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated 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.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

Use fresh jalapeños for more heat or pickled jalapeños for a milder, tangy flavor.
For extra creaminess, mix in a bit more sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from stovetop to oven.
Adjust the spice level by removing seeds from the jalapeños or adding more, according to your taste preference.
This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Keywords: one pan chicken, cheesy jalapeño chicken, baked chicken recipe, spicy chicken, easy dinner, skillet chicken, creamy chicken sauce