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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently dust the seasoned chicken with a light coating of flour, ensuring complete coverage.
- Caramelize lime slices in a scorching skillet, developing deep char marks on both sides. Transfer the smoky citrus rounds to a separate plate.
- 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.
- Position the oven rack near the top and activate the broiler to its most intense setting.
- Introduce corn kernels, jalapeños, and garlic to the same skillet, stirring vigorously until the corn develops a rich, toasted complexion.
- Reunite the chicken with the vegetable medley, splashing lime juice and water to develop additional flavor layers. Allow liquid to nearly evaporate.
- Generously blanket the chicken with shredded cheese, then slide under the broiler until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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