Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken. This dish is a total lifesaver when I’m craving something comforting yet packed with flavor. The best part? Everything cooks in just one pan, so there’s hardly any cleanup! I remember the first time I made it; the smell of sizzling chicken and melting cheese filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The combination of juicy chicken, spicy jalapenos, and gooey cheddar creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so I can have a delicious meal on the table in under 35 minutes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapenos (fresh for extra heat!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get that delicious one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken ready! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.
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 perfect golden finish. So, don’t skip this! Set the temperature and let your oven do its thing while you prepare the chicken.
Sear the Chicken
Next, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering, which means it’s hot enough for the chicken. Season your boneless chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Trust me, seasoning is key to making this dish sing! Once the skillet is ready, add the chicken and let it sear for about 5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. You’re looking for that lovely crust that seals in all the juices.
Add Jalapenos and Cheese
Now comes the fun part! Once the chicken is seared, it’s time to pile on the flavor. Sprinkle the diced jalapenos evenly over the chicken, and then cover everything with shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add a bit more! And if you really want to dial up the heat, using fresh jalapenos is the way to go.
Bake the Chicken
Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20 minutes, but make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once it’s done, take it out, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and then serve it hot. I love pairing it with some fluffy rice or a simple salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of my one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a good protein punch while keeping carbs low. Perfect for a satisfying dinner without the guilt! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips for you! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will save you from common pitfalls.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: This is probably the most important tip! Chicken can go from juicy to dry in a flash. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure the juices run clear when you cut into it.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a huge fan of heat, you can always reduce the amount of jalapenos or use pickled jalapenos for a milder kick. But if you love the spice, go ahead and throw in a few extra! You do you!
- Let the Chicken Rest: After you take the skillet out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it super tender when you slice into it.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, I highly recommend using a cast iron skillet for this recipe. It retains heat beautifully and gives your chicken that lovely sear.
- Experiment with Cheese: While I love cheddar, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, or you could use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor dimensions.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up a scrumptious dish that will impress your family or guests. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken is how easily it can be customized! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, here are some tasty variations that can take this dish to the next level.
- Change Up the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you can switch things out for pepper jack for an extra kick or even a creamy mozzarella for a milder flavor. A blend of your favorites can also create a cheesy masterpiece!
- Swap the Spices: If garlic and onion powders aren’t your thing, try using taco seasoning or Cajun spices for a different flavor profile. It’ll add a whole new layer of goodness to your chicken!
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or even corn alongside the chicken. Not only do they add color, but they also enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
- Try Different Peppers: For those who crave heat, consider using habaneros or serranos instead of jalapenos. Just be cautious with the quantity, as these guys pack a punch!
- Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream into the skillet before baking. It adds a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the spice.
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. Just sprinkle them on top after baking for a fresh burst of flavor!
With these variations, you can keep this dish exciting and tailored to your taste buds. So don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own—you might just discover your new favorite version!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this mouthwatering one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken, let’s talk about what to serve it with! I love to keep it simple yet satisfying, so here are a few ideas that balance out the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.
- Fluffy Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up all that cheesy, spicy goodness. You could even try lime cilantro rice for a zesty twist!
- Simple Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. It’s a great way to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans are not only colorful but also provide a nutritious complement to the dish. They’re quick to prepare and add a nice crunch.
- Quinoa: For a protein-packed side, quinoa is a fabulous choice! Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture pair wonderfully with the cheesy chicken.
- Cornbread: If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, serve this chicken with warm cornbread. The slight sweetness of the cornbread contrasts beautifully with the spicy jalapenos!
Whatever you choose, these sides are sure to elevate your meal and make it a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken makes for fantastic next-day meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy every last cheesy bite.
First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to separate the chicken from any sides you might have made, just to keep everything fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It should stay good for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out and heat for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to get that cheese all melty again, you can uncover it for the last few minutes! If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just pop it in for a minute or two, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Drucken
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken: 35 Minutes to Flavor Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple one-pan dish featuring cheesy jalapeno chicken.
Zutaten
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapenos
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side.
- Top chicken with diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapenos for more heat.
- Adjust cheese amount based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 chicken breast
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 4g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken
