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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines smoky spices, melted cheddar, and a hint of fresh lime for a deliciously satisfying meal all cooked in a single skillet.

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

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
  5. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños for a brighter, fresher heat or pickled jalapeños for a tangier kick.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked properly by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese and cream cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/one-pan-cheesy-jalapeno-chicken-recipe/