Let me tell you about my absolute favorite one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken! This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want something quick, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. The beauty of it is that everything cooks together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze—yay for minimal dishes! Just imagine the tender chicken, melting cheese, and zesty jalapenos creating a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I love how you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish never disappoints. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapenos
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and perfectly.
- While that’s heating up, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavor starts to build, so don’t be shy with those seasonings!
- Now, grab a large oven-safe pan and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they get a lovely golden brown color. This step really locks in the juices!
- Once the chicken is beautifully seared, it’s time to top it! Sprinkle the diced jalapenos over the chicken, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Just look at that cheesy goodness coming together!
- Now, pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell absolutely amazing during this time!
And there you have it! A simple yet flavorful one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick prep and cook time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with tender chicken, spicy jalapenos, and gooey cheese.
- All made in one pan, which means less cleanup—yes, please!
- Customizable spice levels to suit your taste buds!
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Tips for Success
To make your one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken absolutely perfect, here’s what I recommend: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking; it helps with even cooking! If you want an extra kick, feel free to use fresh jalapenos instead of diced ones. And don’t skip the searing step—it adds so much flavor! Lastly, keep an eye on the cheese; you want it bubbly but not burnt!
Serving Suggestions
This one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a fresh, crisp salad for a light touch. You could also whip up some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious cheesy goodness. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, some creamy mashed potatoes would be a perfect match. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Just store any uneaten one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quicker option—just be careful not to overheat it so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for this one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken. Each serving (1 chicken breast) contains approximately 320 calories, 18g of fat, 36g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. These are estimates, of course, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that won’t break your diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if cooked a bit longer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they might take a little longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have jalapenos?
No worries if jalapenos aren’t your thing! You can substitute them with other peppers like bell peppers for a milder dish, or even use sliced banana peppers for a tangy twist. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and toppings a day in advance! Just season the chicken and cover it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, just sear it and top with jalapenos and cheese before baking. It’s a great way to save time!
Is there a dairy-free option?
Definitely! To make a dairy-free version, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Look for cheese that melts well, so you can still enjoy that gooey texture!
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken, and there’s no pink in the center. Happy cooking!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this baked chicken recipe or grilled chicken with rosemary!
Print
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken: Quick and Delicious Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pan dish featuring chicken, cheese, and jalapenos.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapenos
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on each side.
- Top the chicken with diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken
