Description
Whipping up one pan cheesy jalapeño chicken brings spicy comfort straight to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a zesty kick, this simple recipe delivers maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts
Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 jalapenos, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 375F and grab a cast-iron skillet that can transition from stovetop to oven.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil across the skillet, heating it over medium flame until it shimmers slightly.
- Pat your 2 chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then generously season each side with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops on the first side.
- Flip the chicken and cook the opposite side for another 3-4 minutes, creating an even golden exterior.
- Slice 2 jalapenos into thin rings, scattering them across the top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the jalapeno-topped chicken, covering the entire surface.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated 375F oven, baking for exactly 20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to help retain its juicy texture.
Notes
- Swap out fresh jalapenos for pickled ones if you prefer less heat and want a tangy twist.
- Cover the pan with foil during baking to keep the chicken extra moist and prevent cheese from burning.
- Choose a melting cheese like monterey jack or pepper jack for the best gooey texture.
- Slice jalapenos super thin so they distribute more evenly and cook faster across the chicken surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg