One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
A delicious one-pan recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy jalapeño sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines savory spices, fresh jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection in a skillet for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
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
- 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 and cheese sauce.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over 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 on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until a smooth sauce forms.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined. 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. This will melt during baking to create a rich topping.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by choosing fresh jalapeños or pickled ones based on your heat preference.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to easily transition from stovetop searing to oven baking without extra dishes.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F / 75°C).
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad.
- For a creamier sauce, add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese.
Keywords: one pan chicken, cheesy jalapeño chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, spicy chicken dish