Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken
Indulge in the savory goodness of Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken, where tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy blend of cheddar cheese and jalapeños. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The golden-brown cheese topping adds a visual appeal that will impress your guests, while the zesty kick keeps them coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray and trim excess fat from the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and paprika until creamy.
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
- Carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket and stuff with the cheesy mixture.
- Place the stuffed chicken in the baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serve hot with rice or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added spice, include some jalapeño seeds in the cheesy mixture. Substitute cheddar with pepper jack for an extra kick or add bell peppers for different textures. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.