Let me tell you, this *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* is an absolute game-changer in my kitchen! It’s like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that you can whip up in no time. I love how simple it is—just toss everything in one pan and let the oven do its magic. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy jalapeno-infused goodness, and that melty cheddar cheese is just divine. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my book. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced (adjust for spice level)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, golden finish. While the oven is warming up, grab a large oven-safe pan—this is where all the magic happens! I love using a cast-iron skillet or a sturdy stainless steel pan for this recipe, as they hold heat really well and can easily transition from stovetop to oven.
Season and Sear the Chicken
Now, onto the chicken! Take those boneless chicken breasts and season them generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to rub the seasoning in a bit to really get that flavor going. Heat up the olive oil in your pan over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear those beauties for about 5-7 minutes on each side; you want them to get a lovely golden crust. This step locks in all the juiciness, so don’t skip it!
Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the chicken is sizzling away, let’s whip up that creamy jalapeno goodness. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the diced jalapenos. Mix them together until you get a smooth, creamy blend. This jalapeno mixture is going to take your chicken to a whole new level—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Assemble and Bake
Once your chicken is seared and the cream cheese mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble! Spread that creamy jalapeno mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well-coated. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top—oh, the gooeyness! Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Just imagine how delicious your kitchen will smell during this time!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig in, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so I can’t give you an exact number. But here’s a typical breakdown for one serving of this *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken*:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
So, dig in and enjoy this delicious dish while keeping in mind its nutritious goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to turn up the heat, you can add more jalapenos—just remember, the seeds are where the real spice lives! You could also use a spicier cheese, like pepper jack, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What can I serve with One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all that cheesy goodness. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are also great options to balance out the richness. You could even throw together some garlic bread for that extra comfort food vibe!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the chicken cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Deliciousness awaits!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* turns out as delicious as possible, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your chicken breasts are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If they’re too thick, consider pounding them a bit for a more consistent thickness. Next, don’t rush the searing process; that golden crust is essential for flavor! Also, feel free to customize the cream cheese mixture by adding herbs like cilantro or chives for an extra punch. And lastly, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving—this allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken*! For starters, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or even a smoky gouda for a different flavor profile. You could also add some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the cream cheese mixture for an extra veggie boost—yum! If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for a delightful texture contrast. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* is a breeze! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer the chicken to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience means less mess and easier cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Loaded with flavor from creamy jalapenos and melty cheddar cheese—it’s a flavor explosion!
- Quick prep and cook time make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
- Versatile recipe allows for customization with different cheeses or veggies.
- Gluten-free and packed with protein, it fits into a healthy lifestyle.
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for everyday meals—perfect balance!
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple one-pan recipe for cheesy jalapeno chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the pan and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and diced jalapenos.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapenos for spice level.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken
