One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
