Description

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe combines tender seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheese sauce. Searing the chicken and then baking it with melted cheddar cheese in a single skillet makes for a flavorful, easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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

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

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 melting the cheese topping.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Lower 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, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce in the skillet.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and cream sauce to create a gooey topping. Prepare the skillet for baking.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to add a bright, zesty contrast.

Notes

Use fresh jalapeños for more vibrant heat or pickled for tangier spice.
Chicken breasts can be pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Substitute Monterey Jack for a milder cheese if preferred.
Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken after searing.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: One Pan,Cheesy Chicken,Jalapeño Chicken,Easy Dinner,Weeknight Meal,Spicy Chicken,Cheese Sauce,Oven Baked Chicken