One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

Introduction

Craving a dish that’s spicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? Look no further than this One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken! Tender chicken breasts, melted cheese, and the perfect kick of jalapeño heat come together in this easy, flavorful recipe. Plus, it’s all made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.

With simple ingredients and a perfect balance of heat from the jalapeños and richness from the cheese, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g)
1 tablespoon (15g) olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese and Jalapeños:

2 medium jalapeños, thinly sliced (50g)
240g shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
120g cream cheese, softened (½ cup)
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken should be about 80% cooked by this point. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese starts to melt.
Add the sliced jalapeños and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and infuse their flavor into the sauce.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a tangy kick, add a splash of lime juice for a fresh flavor boost.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the cheese and jalapeño sauce over each piece.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned around the edges.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven, and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. You can pair this dish with rice, steamed vegetables, or even tortillas for a full meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 28g
Sodium: 700mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They tend to be more juicy and flavorful, but they may require slightly longer cooking times.

2. Can I Make This Spicier?

If you love extra spice, you can add more jalapeños or even include some chili flakes in the cheese sauce for an added kick. If you want the dish to be mild, simply reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds before adding them to the sauce.

3. Can I Use Other Cheeses?

While cheddar cheese gives this dish its rich, bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different twist.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet, adding a bit of extra cream if the sauce needs to be loosened up.

5. Can I Make This in Advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce in advance, then bake it right before serving for a quick and easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

✅ Cheesy and spicy – the perfect combination of heat and creaminess
✅ One pan – easy cleanup after dinner
✅ Tender and juicy chicken – cooked to perfection
✅ Quick and easy – on the table in about 30 minutes
✅ Customizable – adjust the spice level to your preference