Name: One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 4 slices pepperjack cheese; 2 pieces poblano peppers (sliced); 1 piece yellow onion (chopped or sliced); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; kosher salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 jar salsa verde; fresh cilantro and limes (for serving)

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There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen, and One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken encapsulates that feeling perfectly. Imagine coming home after a long day, your stomach growling, and knowing that a comforting, cheesy dish is just a few steps away. This dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up in a single skillet. The creamy texture of the cheese combined with the zesty kick of green chiles creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this recipe time and time again. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken is sure to impress.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free

Fat:
35 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Skillet, Oven

Why This One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Is a Winner

It’s Effortless

One of the best things about One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken is how easy it is to make. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen. With a little prep, the dish comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, and salsa verde creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. It’s a flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Healthy Ingredients

This dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, poblano peppers, and onions. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving, as it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. You’re feeding your family healthy proteins and veggies.

Minimal Cleanup

Cleaning up after cooking can be a drag, but with One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken, you only have one pan to wash! This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you have guests over and want to keep things simple.

Customizable

This recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder or experimenting with different cheeses. It’s a versatile dish that can suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prep for the week, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s comforting and fulfilling, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need for One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

The ingredients in One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken work together beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. The chicken serves as a hearty base, while the cream cheese and pepperjack cheese add a creamy, decadent layer. The poblano peppers offer a slight smokiness, perfectly complemented by the spices. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this meal a standout.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a satisfying texture.
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: Adds creaminess and richness, melting beautifully into the dish.
4 slices pepperjack cheese: This cheese melts well and introduces a spicy kick.
2 poblano peppers, sliced: They bring a mild heat and a lovely flavor to balance the dish.
1 yellow onion, chopped or sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a warm, earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the other flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a robust taste that complements the chicken.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used for cooking, it adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
1 jar salsa verde: This provides a tangy, zesty element that ties all the flavors together.
Fresh cilantro and limes for serving: These are the perfect finishing touch, adding freshness and brightness.

Making One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

Making One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken is as enjoyable as the dish itself. You’ll soon find that the steps are straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into the process and make this delicious dish step-by-step!

First, preheat your oven to 425° F. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.
Now, take your chicken breasts and slice them horizontally through the middle. Be careful not to cut all the way through—stop about half an inch from the other side. This creates a pocket for your filling.
Open the chicken breasts like a book and spread cream cheese on one side. Then, layer on the pepperjack cheese and add a few slices of poblano peppers. Fold the other side over to enclose the filling, like closing a book.
Place the stuffed chicken in a skillet or a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil to help the chicken brown nicely.
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, along with kosher salt and black pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken for an even flavor.
Sprinkle the remaining poblano peppers and chopped onion around the chicken in the skillet. This helps to infuse more flavor into the dish.
Drizzle everything with a bit more olive oil and then pour the salsa verde over the top. This will create a flavorful sauce as it cooks.
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165° F internally.
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the juices in the chicken.
Finally, serve your One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken with fresh cilantro and wedges of lime on the side. The cilantro adds a bright flavor, while the lime will enhance the overall taste with a kick of acidity.

Things Worth Knowing

Check the Chicken: Always ensure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165° F for food safety.
Don’t Rush the Bake: Let the dish bake for the full time to achieve a nice crust and ensure the filling is warm and gooey.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of this dish.
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain juices, making for a more juicy and flavorful meal.

Recipe Tips about One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

Making One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your dish even more. Here are some helpful hints for ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked chicken for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The lightness of the salad complements the richness of the chicken.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add more vegetables to the filling, like spinach or mushrooms, for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with tortillas or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. The leftovers also make great sandwiches!

Serving Options for One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

When it comes to serving One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken, the options are abundant! Here’s how to make the most of this delightful dish:

With Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
With Tortillas: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas for a tasty wrap or taco.
With a Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
For Special Occasions: This dish is great for family gatherings or dinner parties, as it’s easy to prepare and serves multiple people.
For Meal Prep: Prepare a double batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week. This dish reheats well!
Seasonal Pairings: It’s especially satisfying during the cooler months, but the freshness of cilantro and lime makes it enjoyable year-round.

FAQ

Absolutely! While pepperjack cheese gives a delightful kick, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a unique flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain that delicious creamy texture.

One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! You can serve it over rice, in warm tortillas, or alongside a fresh salad. It’s versatile enough to be a centerpiece on your dinner table or a filling option for meal prep during the week.

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and stuff it with the cheeses and peppers ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or when you have guests over.

The spiciness of One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken can be adjusted according to your preference. The levels of heat come from the pepperjack cheese and chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a milder cheese or reduce the amount of chili powder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken is a delightful dish that combines creamy textures with bold flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, providing comfort and satisfaction in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try and savor the deliciousness for yourself. It might just become your new favorite recipe!