One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it involves multiple pans and a long list of ingredients. Thankfully, the One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken recipe is here to save the day. This dish is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor that will delight your taste buds. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in spices, topped with melted cheese, and accompanied by sweet corn and spicy jalapeños—all cooked in one pan! The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its ease of cleanup.

At its core, One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is a comforting meal that combines a wealth of flavors in a single, hassle-free cooking method. The earthy tones of spices blend smoothly with fresh lime and zesty jalapeños to create a vibrant dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños, making it approachable for everyone.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or someone just starting in the kitchen, this recipe offers an engaging cooking experience that still results in a beautifully plated dish. Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients and steps involved to create this delicious meal.

Ingredients for One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

To whip up this delightful dish, you will need several ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The combination of spices, lime, chicken, and vegetables makes this recipe flavorful and satisfying.

List of ingredients with measurements

• 1 lime, sliced
• 3 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded to be 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
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and sliced lengthwise into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Minced fresh cilantro for garnish
• Extra lime wedges for garnish

Optional ingredient substitutions

While the ingredients listed above create a perfect rendition of One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken, you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have available.

• If you don’t have fresh lime, lime juice from a bottle can be used, though fresh gives a better flavor.
• For the vegetable oil, you can substitute olive oil or avocado oil.
• Chicken thighs can be swapped in if you prefer dark meat over chicken breasts.
• If you would like to add another layer of flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of chili powder.
• To make it spicier, try adding more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• You can also use a different blend of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for varied flavor profiles.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

Now, let’s get into the cooking part. This section details each step, ensuring that you make this scrumptious dish like a pro.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, add the chicken breasts and season them with chili powder, oregano, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, dried minced onion, and ancho chile powder. Take your time to massage the spice mixture into the chicken thoroughly, ensuring all sides are well-coated. This step is vital, as it infuses the chicken with a lot of flavors.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Next, place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Lightly dredge the seasoned chicken in the flour, making sure that each piece is coated evenly. This will create a lovely crust during cooking. Once done, let the chicken sit while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Char the Lime Slices

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lime slices to the pan. Allow them to char for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. The charring will enhance their flavor, so don’t skip this step. Once charred, remove the lime slices to a plate and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Let it heat until shimmering, then carefully add the dredged chicken pieces. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as this could lead to steaming rather than browning. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken pieces and set them on a plate to rest.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

While the pan is still hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, add the thawed corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, and minced garlic. Stir often and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the corn begins to lightly brown. This stage brings out the flavors in each component.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in the lime juice and water. Cook for a few minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. This will help meld the flavors together.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Broil

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables. Set your oven rack to the upper third and preheat the broiler to high. Place your skillet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the dish with freshly minced cilantro and serve with the charred lime slices or extra lime wedges for added zest.

How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

Serving this dish is just as simple as making it! The combination of flavors and textures makes it versatile.

Best ways to serve One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

The One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken can be served straight from the skillet, adding a rustic vibe to your dining table. For a more polished presentation, consider transferring it to a serving platter.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Consider serving this dish alongside a fresh salad, such as a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Rice or quinoa would also make excellent companions, soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken. For an extra flavor boost, serve it with corn tortillas or warm pita bread to create a little wrap with the chicken, cheese, and vegetables. This dish is also delightful with a side of guacamole or sour cream, offering creaminess that balances the spice beautifully.

How to Store One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is highly likely, given how delicious this dish is!), proper storage is essential to keep your meal fresh.

Proper storage methods

Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the ingredients if possible, as this will help in maintaining their textures and flavors.

Tips for reheating or freezing

For reheating, you can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. If you use the microwave, heating in intervals is best to avoid overcooking. If using an oven, cover the dish with foil to help retain moisture. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months; however, it’s best to avoid freezing the cheese on top as it can change texture.

Tips to Make One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

Though making this dish is straightforward, some helpful tips can elevate your cooking experience.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. This can prevent the chicken from browning properly, leading to an unappealing texture. Always give each piece of chicken enough space to cook evenly.

Helpful tips for better results

Be mindful of the freshness of your spices; using fresh spices enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, making sure your skillet is preheated adequately before adding the chicken helps in achieving that beautiful golden crust. If you prefer a mild flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of chili powder and jalapeños as per your taste preference.

Variation of One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing for various twists and modifications based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can turn this dish into a One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken and Rice by adding cooked rice to the skillet along with the corn and vegetables. Alternatively, consider swapping in other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add extra nutrition and color.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For a lower-carb option, replace the corn with cauliflower rice or skip it altogether. If you need the dish to be dairy-free, you could use a non-dairy cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

FAQs

When cooking, questions are bound to arise, and here are some frequently asked ones regarding One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken.

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it could be due to the size of the pieces. Ensure they are all similar in thickness to promote even cooking. If the cheese isn’t melting, check that your oven is set to broil correctly and not just baking, as the direct heat from broiling helps achieve that melty goodness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and marinate it in the spice mixture a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just make sure to store it covered in the refrigerator. This marinating time will infuse the flavors deeper into the chicken.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

Many ingredients can be adjusted based on what you have. If you don’t have jalapeños, you can use diced green bell peppers for a milder touch. If you’re out of chicken, this recipe can easily adapt to shrimp or tofu, but cooking times may vary. For the cheese, any melting cheese you have on hand will work wonderfully.

In conclusion, One Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken is an enticing dish that not only offers delightful flavors but simplifies your cooking experience. With a few basic steps and ingredients, you’ll have a meal that impresses everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

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