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cheesy jalapeño chicken Recipe

Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

This Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful, creamy, and just-spicy-enough main dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a cheesy sauce with pickled jalapeños for a kick, making every bite irresistible.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~150 g each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120 g)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (60 g)
  • 4 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (115 g)
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (20 g)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
  • 1 spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry. If chicken breasts are thick, pound to even 2 cm thickness for even cooking.
  3. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3-4 minutes on each side until golden (do not fully cook).
  5. Lower heat to medium. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and milk until smooth. Spread this mixture over the top of the seared chicken breasts.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top of the cream cheese. Scatter chopped pickled jalapeños over the cheese.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C/165°F) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven. Let rest for 2 minutes, then top with green onions and cilantro if using.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite side.

Notes

Adjust jalapeños to taste for more or less heat.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Delicious with rice, roasted potatoes, or a green salad on the side.