Looking for a flavorful, creamy, and mildly spicy chicken dish to elevate your dinner? This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Bake is a showstopper. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, cheesy jalapeño sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds or 680 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Jalapeño Sauce :
- 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Topping :
- 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Garnish :
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Season the Chicken : Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Sauce : In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped jalapeños. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble and Bake : Spread the creamy jalapeño mixture evenly over each chicken breast. (Optional) If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a crispy finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve : Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Conclusion
This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Bake delivers a balance of heat and richness, making it a satisfying dish for all occasions. Serve it alongside rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Your taste buds will thank you for this explosion of flavor!
Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Bake
A cheesy, creamy, and mildly spicy baked chickendish topped with jalapeños and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
Chicken :
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds or 680 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Jalapeño Sauce :
- 1/2 cup 120 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup 120 g sour cream
- 1/2 cup 50 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup 50 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeño peppers finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Topping :
- 1/4 cup 25 g breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Garnish :
- Fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Season the Chicken : Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Sauce : In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped jalapeños. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble and Bake : Spread the creamy jalapeño mixture evenly over each chicken breast. (Optional) If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a crispy finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve : Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.