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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 84 reviews

This one pan cheesy jalapeño chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices, charred lime slices, sautéed corn and jalapeños, all smothered in melted Mexican blend cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that combines a mild kick of heat with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded to 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
  • 1/4 tsp ancho chile powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (or fresh corn)
  • 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and sliced lengthwise into strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lime sliced (for charring)
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice (juice of 2-3 limes)

Cheese & Garnishes

  • 1 – 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Extra lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, dried minced onion, and ancho chile powder. Toss thoroughly to massage the spice mixture evenly onto all sides of the chicken.
  2. Dredge in Flour: Place flour in a shallow bowl or plate and lightly coat each piece of seasoned chicken by dredging them in the flour. Set the dredged chicken aside while preparing the pan.
  3. Char Lime Slices: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lime slices to the hot pan and char them for 1-2 minutes per side until brown and slightly charred. Remove charred lime slices to a plate and set aside.
  4. Sear Chicken: Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot skillet and heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken pieces in the pan without overcrowding, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  5. Preheat Broiler: Adjust the oven rack to the upper third of the oven and preheat the broiler on high to prepare for melting cheese later.
  6. Cook Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet, then add corn kernels, jalapeño slices, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes until the corn begins to brown lightly.
  7. Combine Chicken and Liquids: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan with vegetables. Pour in the lime juice and water, cooking for several minutes (about 2 minutes) until most of the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is slightly saucy.
  8. Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the cheesy jalapeño chicken with minced fresh cilantro and serve immediately with extra lime wedges or the charred lime slices for added flavor.

Notes

  • To avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, cook in batches to ensure even browning.
  • Removing seeds from jalapeños reduces heat for a milder dish; keep seeds if you prefer more spice.
  • You can substitute fresh corn for frozen, just ensure it’s well thawed.
  • Using an oven-safe skillet is important for broiling cheese directly on the stovetop after searing.
  • Lime juice and charred limes add bright, tangy flavor balancing the richness of the cheese.
  • Variations can include substituting Mexican blend cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella depending on preference.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/one-pan-cheesy-jalapeno-chicken-recipe/