Turn up the heat in your kitchen with this irresistible Cheese and Chili Chicken recipe! Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts are first marinated in a bold blend of red chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime juice, then seared to perfection for a flavorful crust. Smothered in melted cheddar cheese and topped with fresh jalapeño slices, this spicy, cheesy dish is an explosion of flavors in every bite. Baked to bubbling perfection in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Garnished with freshly chopped parsley, this zesty chicken pairs beautifully with a green salad, rice, or roasted veggies. Bring spice, comfort, and cheesy goodness to your table with this easy, oven-baked delight!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, red chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice to form a marinade.
Rub the marinade generously over both sides of each chicken breast. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
Remove the skillet from the heat, and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken breasts.
Top with thin slices of fresh jalapeño for added heat and flavor.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as a green salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
1891 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.8 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.5 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 693 mg | 231% | |
| Sodium | 3611 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 244.4 g | 489% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 960 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 380 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.