Description
Welcome to the ultimate Cheesy Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken recipe! If you love bold flavors, tender chicken, and a hint of spice, this dish is for you. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests, this recipe brings together the rich creaminess of cheese, the zesty kick of jalapeños, and the juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken. Keep reading to learn how to make this flavor-packed dinner that will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less spice)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
For Coating (Optional for Extra Crunch):
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra shredded cheese for garnish
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and onion powder until well combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step3: Stuff the Chicken
- Carefully spoon the cheese-jalapeño mixture into each chicken pocket.
- Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
Step4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step5: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If you added breadcrumbs, broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get a crispy topping.
Step6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra cheese if desired.
- Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before stuffing.
- Adjust the spice level by removing the jalapeño seeds or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling from spilling out while cooking.