Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also super easy to whip up, then you’ve got to try my one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken! It’s a dish that’s become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; I was having friends over for dinner, and I wanted something that would impress without taking up my entire evening. This recipe is a game changer! Tender chicken breasts, spicy jalapenos, and ooey-gooey melted cheese all come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely mouthwatering! You’ll want to dive right in. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken. I promise, it’s worth every bite!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure to choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for an extra kick, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese!
- 2 jalapenos, sliced: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; you can even remove the seeds for less heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps in searing the chicken perfectly and adds a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A pantry staple that gives a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Just like garlic powder, it adds great savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp on seasoning! It’s key to bringing all the flavors together.
How to Prepare the One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this mouthwatering one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that deliciously golden finish. So, while you’re prepping everything else, let that oven get nice and toasty!
Sear the Chicken
Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it shimmers but not smoking—trust me, no one likes burnt chicken! Season your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the oil is ready, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for about 5 minutes, or until you see a beautiful golden brown crust forming. This step not only locks in the juices but also gives that extra layer of flavor!
Add Jalapenos and Cheese
Now for the fun part! Once your chicken is nicely seared, it’s time to layer on the flavor. Scatter those sliced jalapenos over the chicken, making sure to distribute them evenly. If you’re worried about the heat, feel free to remove the seeds or use fewer jalapenos. Then, sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese will melt beautifully and create that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave!
Bake the Chicken
Pop your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. I usually check for doneness around the 20-minute mark; the chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s cooked through, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time is essential—it helps the juices redistribute, making every bite super juicy and tender. Plus, it gives you a moment to savor the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
This one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken is not just delicious; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Here are a few reasons why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal on the table in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
- Easy Clean-Up: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win in my book!
- Flavorful Results: The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapenos, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos or even swapping in different cheeses to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family dinners.
Tips for Success
Want to nail the one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken like a pro? I’ve got your back with some handy tips that’ll take your dish from good to absolutely amazing!
- Quality Chicken: Always opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They cook more evenly and taste so much better!
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Make sure to coat the chicken well with the spices. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—it really enhances the flavors!
- Watch the Heat: When searing the chicken, keep an eye on the heat. Too high, and you risk burning the outside while the inside remains undercooked. Medium heat is the sweet spot!
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re unsure about the heat from the jalapenos, start with one and taste as you go. You can always add more later if you want a spicier kick!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, invest in a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking—165°F (75°C) is the magic number!
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It’s crucial for juicy chicken, so let it sit for those 5 minutes before diving in!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken ever! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re getting with this tasty dish!
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 35g
This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a protein punch, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making my one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my helpful answers.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier, which can add even more flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may take a little longer to cook through than breasts.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries at all! You can sear the chicken in any skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the oven. Just make sure to grease the baking dish well so nothing sticks!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to crank up the heat, try adding more jalapenos, or even toss in some sliced serrano peppers for an extra kick! You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for added spice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can season the chicken and layer the jalapenos and cheese ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What should I serve with this jalapeno chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or even some roasted veggies. The cheesy, spicy chicken also goes great in tacos or wraps if you want to switch it up!
Hopefully, these answers help you on your journey to making the best one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken! If you have any other questions, feel free to drop them in the comments!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken, and now you have some leftovers? No problem! Storing and reheating them properly will keep all those amazing flavors intact.
To store your leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!
When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of great options. If you’re looking for the best way to revive that gooey cheese and juicy chicken, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end to get that cheese bubbly again—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave. Just place a piece of chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it moist), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking in between until it’s warmed to your liking. Just a heads-up, though: the microwave might make the cheese a little less gooey than the oven, but it’ll still be delicious!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken even after the first serving! Happy eating!
Imprimer
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken: 5 Comforting Flavors
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
One pan cheesy jalapeno chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken with spicy jalapenos and melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapenos, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side.
- Add jalapenos on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and jalapenos.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your spice preference.
- Serve with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 13g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 2g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken
