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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh jalapeños and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This one-pan recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy heat and creamy goodness while minimizing cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Protein

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the jalapeños and dice the onions while mincing the garlic. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika for a flavorful base.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts into the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
  3. Add Onions, Garlic, and Jalapeños: Reduce heat to medium, then add diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños around the chicken. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Layer with Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the cheese melt while the chicken finishes cooking, about 3-5 minutes, until fully cooked through.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts slightly if they are uneven to ensure even cooking.
  • Control Heat: Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness without losing flavor.
  • Cheese Choice: Use cheeses that melt well like cheddar and Monterey Jack for creamy topping.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough pan to allow browning of chicken and vegetables.
  • Use a Lid: Covering the pan helps melt cheese faster and keeps moisture in.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, jalapeño chicken, quick dinner, spicy chicken, weeknight meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/one-pan-cheesy-jalapeo-chicken/