Description
A quick and easy One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe combining tender chicken breasts with spicy jalapeños and a melty blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, delivering bold flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely sliced (adjust seeds for desired heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Oils & Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Finely slice the jalapeños, mince the garlic, and shred the cheeses if not pre-shredded. This preparation ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, sealing in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.
- Add Spices and Jalapeños: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss in the sliced jalapeños and minced garlic, stirring for about a minute to release their aromas and infuse the chicken with spicy, smoky notes.
- Cover with Cheese and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, evenly pile the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chicken. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes, forming a gooey, melty layer.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the lid. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for brightness and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and juicier meat.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Start with fewer jalapeños to adjust spice level gradually.
- Cover the pan to melt cheese evenly and quickly.
- Allow chicken to rest a couple of minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg