One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe for Spicy Lovers

Sizzling one pan cheesy jalapeño chicken promises a flavor explosion that enhances ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Bold and vibrant ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating a mouthwatering symphony of spice and comfort.

Home cooks seek simple yet impressive meals that deliver maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

Creamy cheese and fiery peppers combine to elevate humble chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Skilled chefs understand that great meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless dishes to wash.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, richness, and satisfying protein that makes you crave more.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What Makes One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken So Good

• Spice-Packed Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of chili powder, cumin, and ancho chile powder that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation with complex, bold spices dancing on your palate.
• Quick and Easy One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum convenience make this dish perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to go from kitchen to table in under 30 minutes without sacrificing incredible taste.
• Texture Carnival: The golden-brown crispy chicken, charred corn kernels, and melted bubbly cheese create a delightful mix of crunchy, tender, and creamy textures that keep every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Customize-Ready Dish: The recipe offers flexible ingredients like adjustable spice levels and optional garnishes, making it simple to adapt to personal preferences or what's available in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Jalapeño Chicken

• Chili Powder: Warm and slightly smoky base for chicken seasoning.
• Oregano: Herbal note that adds depth to the spice mix.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides a southwestern touch.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Minced Onion: Provides subtle sweet and aromatic background.
• Ancho Chile Powder: Rich, mild pepper flavor with deep color.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for even cooking and browning.
• Lime Slices, Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy element that cuts through richness.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet, textural component that adds freshness.
• Jalapeños: Provides spicy kick and authentic southwestern flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that deepens overall taste profile.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty, creamy topping that brings richness.
• Water: Helps create steam and keep chicken moist.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish with classic Mexican profile.

Step-by-Step Jalapeño Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Spiced Chicken

• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Kosher salt
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Minced onion
• Ancho chile powder

Massage spices thoroughly into chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Flour

Lightly dust seasoned chicken pieces with flour, creating an even coating.

Step 3: Char Lime Slices

Heat large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place lime slices in pan and char for 1-2 minutes on each side. Transfer charred slices to separate plate.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Add vegetable oil to skillet. Cook chicken pieces carefully, avoiding pan overcrowding. Brown each side for approximately 3 minutes until golden. Remove chicken from skillet.

Step 5: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Remaining oil
• Corn kernels
• Jalapeños
• Garlic

Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until corn develops golden-brown edges.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Return chicken to skillet. Pour lime juice and water. Cook for 2 minutes until liquid mostly absorbs.

Step 7: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over chicken. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro. Serve alongside charred lime slices or additional lime wedges.

Tips for One-Pan Chicken Perfection

• Master Spice Coating: Ensure an even, thorough massage of spices into chicken for maximum flavor penetration and delicious depth.
• Perfect Chicken Sear: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Corn Caramelization Trick: Stir corn frequently to develop rich, slightly charred edges that enhance overall dish complexity.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch broiler closely to achieve perfectly melted, bubbly cheese without burning the dish.
• Fresh Finish Strategy: Add cilantro and lime just before serving to brighten flavors and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

Store and Reheat Jalapeño Chicken Correctly

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's flavors intact.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to stir and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Oven Method: Warm the chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and preserve the cheesy, crispy texture.

Pairings for Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

• Spice Up Your Sips: Pair this zesty jalapeño chicken with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the dish's heat while complementing its vibrant flavors.
• Cool Down and Calm: Balance the spicy kick with a refreshing cilantro-lime margarita that echoes the recipe's citrusy notes and provides a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the jalapeño's heat.
• Fresh and Bright Sides: Serve alongside a light summer salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to add freshness and enhance the chicken's robust spice profile.
• Sweet Heat Finale: Finish the meal with a creamy Mexican-style flan that offers a sweet contrast to the savory, spicy main course, creating a perfect flavor harmony.

Creative Cheesy Chicken Variations

• Spicy Poblano Swap: Replace jalapeños with roasted poblano peppers for a milder, earthier heat profile. The poblanos add a smoky depth that complements the chicken's seasoning perfectly.
• Protein Power Pivot: Substitute chicken with lean turkey breast or pork tenderloin. These alternatives work beautifully with the existing spice blend and keep the dish protein-rich.
• Vegetarian Veggie Version: Skip the meat entirely and use thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu as the main protein. Boost the corn and pepper quantity to create a hearty, satisfying vegetarian meal that maintains the original dish's vibrant flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Replace corn with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. The cauliflower absorbs the spices wonderfully and provides a similar textural element to the original recipe.

One Pan Cheesy Jalapeo Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty one pan cheesy jalapeño chicken brings Mexican-inspired flavors to dinner with minimal cleanup. Succulent chicken breasts nestled in a spicy, melted cheese sauce promise a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded to be ½ inch thick

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
• ¼ teaspoon ancho chile powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 ½ tablespoons (52 milliliters) vegetable oil, divided
• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ – 2 cups (240 – 320 grams) frozen corn kernels, thawed (or fresh corn)
• 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and sliced lengthwise into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lime juice (juice of 2–3 limes)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1 – 1 ½ cups (100 – 150 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
• 1 lime, sliced
• Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Extra lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken with a robust blend of spices, massaging chili powder, oregano, kosher salt, cumin, black pepper, minced onion, and ancho chile powder into every crevice of the meat.
2. Gently dust the seasoned chicken with a light coating of flour, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Caramelize lime slices in a scorching skillet, developing deep char marks on both sides. Transfer the smoky citrus rounds to a separate plate.
4. Sear the chicken pieces in hot vegetable oil, creating a golden-brown crust. Cook each side meticulously without overcrowding the pan. Remove and set aside.
5. Position the oven rack near the top and activate the broiler to its most intense setting.
6. Introduce corn kernels, jalapeños, and garlic to the same skillet, stirring vigorously until the corn develops a rich, toasted complexion.
7. Reunite the chicken with the vegetable medley, splashing lime juice and water to develop additional flavor layers. Allow liquid to nearly evaporate.
8. Generously blanket the chicken with shredded cheese, then slide under the broiler until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Scatter fresh cilantro across the dish and present with charred lime slices or additional wedges for a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Spice Massage Technique ensures deep flavor penetration into every chicken fiber, maximizing taste potential.
• Dredging chicken in flour creates a delicate, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds textural complexity.
• Charring lime slices beforehand intensifies citrus notes and releases natural sweetness for enhanced overall dish brightness.
• One-pan method reduces cleanup time and allows ingredients to develop rich, layered flavors through sequential cooking.
• Broiling with cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that transforms the dish from ordinary to restaurant-quality presentation.
• Fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges provide vibrant finishing touches, adding brightness and lifting the entire flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg