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One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

This One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, topped with a cheesy jalapeño and corn mixture, and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Enhanced with fresh lime juice and garnished with cilantro, it’s a delightful meal that combines spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Mixture

  • 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 and Flavorings

  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (fresh corn works as well)
  • 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)
  • 1/2 cup water

Cheese and Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with chili powder, oregano, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, dried minced onion, and ancho chile powder. Toss well and massage the spice mixture into all sides of the chicken to ensure full flavor coverage.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Place the flour into a shallow bowl or plate and lightly dredge each chicken piece in flour. Let the chicken sit while you prepare the pan to cook.
  3. Char the Lime Slices: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lime slices to the pan and char them for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown and slightly charred appearance. Remove the lime slices to a plate and set aside.
  4. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Add 2 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces carefully, avoiding overcrowding the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook the chicken about 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer the pieces to a plate.
  5. Preheat the Broiler: Move the oven rack to the upper third position and preheat the broiler on high heat to prepare for melting the cheese later.
  6. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the corn kernels, jalapeño slices, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes, until the corn starts to lightly brown and become fragrant.
  7. Combine Chicken and Liquids: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the lime juice and water. Cook for several minutes, roughly 2 minutes depending on stove heat, until most of the liquid has absorbed into the mixture.
  8. Broil with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts fully and develops a light golden crust.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with minced fresh cilantro. Serve the dish hot with extra lime wedges or the charred lime slices for additional zest and flavor.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
  • Adjust jalapeño amount based on preferred spice level; remove seeds to reduce heat.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven broiler.
  • Fresh corn can replace frozen for a sweeter, fresher taste.
  • Broiling time can vary, so watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cheesy jalapeño chicken, one pan chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, easy weeknight dinner, spicy chicken with cheese

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