Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken*! It’s one of those magical meals that packs in flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you just want something scrumptious that doesn’t create a mountain of dishes. With juicy chicken breasts smothered in gooey cheese and a delightful kick from jalapenos, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. Plus, it all comes together in one pan—how convenient is that? Trust me, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again when you need a quick and satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 2 jalapenos, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, grab a large oven-safe pan (cast iron works like a charm!) and place it on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. This step is super important because it helps the chicken get that golden-brown crust we all love. Just remember, safety first—watch out for any hot splatters as the oil heats up!
Cooking the Chicken
Now, let’s season those chicken breasts! Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Give them a good rub to make sure all that flavor gets in there. Once your pan is sizzling, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and have that gorgeous golden color. Don’t rush this part; it’s worth the wait!
Adding Flavor and Cheese
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add that flavor punch! Sprinkle the diced jalapenos generously over the chicken—feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it! Then, pile on the shredded cheese, making sure every piece of chicken is covered. For the best melt, using a mix of cheeses can amp up the creaminess. Trust me, a gooey layer of cheese makes all the difference!
Baking to Perfection
Finally, transfer your pan to the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. To check for doneness, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, you’re golden! When it’s ready, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before digging in. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Nutritional Information
This *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* is not only delicious but also a satisfying option for your meals. Each serving, which is one chicken breast with cheese, contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. There are also about 2 grams of carbohydrates and 600 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* turns out absolutely scrumptious, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the spice level—if you want it milder, just remove the seeds from the jalapenos or use fewer of them. On the other hand, if you like a serious kick, throw in some extra diced jalapenos or even a pinch of cayenne pepper! Now, let’s talk cheese—feel free to get creative! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that perfect gooey texture, but you could also use pepper jack for an extra spicy twist or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a flavor boost. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
One of the best things about this *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* is how easy it is to mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheese. Pepper jack adds a delightful kick, while mozzarella will give you that stretchy, gooey goodness. You can also play with spices—add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even some taco seasoning for a fun twist! And don’t forget about veggies! Toss in some sliced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach along with the jalapenos for added flavor and nutrition. The sky’s the limit, so let your creativity shine and make this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken*, the options are endless! I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or cilantro lime rice to soak up all that cheesy goodness. Tortillas are another fantastic option—just imagine wrapping that flavorful chicken in a warm tortilla for a delightful bite! If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish perfectly. Whatever you choose, these sides will take your meal to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken* can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep that cheesy goodness melty and delicious. You can also use the microwave, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the chicken. Enjoy every last bite!
Z nadrukami
One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken: 5 Star Dinner Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple one pan dish featuring cheesy jalapeno chicken.
Składniki
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add diced jalapenos on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the jalapenos.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Uwagi
- Adjust the number of jalapenos for desired spice level.
- Use any cheese of your choice.
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking and Sautéing
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken breast with cheese
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 2g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan cheesy jalapeno chicken
