Jalapeno Chicken Bake 🌶️
Overview:
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Jalapeno Chicken Bake recipe. Bursting with flavors from the Southwestern U.S., this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With just under 4 hours of total time, including prep and cooking, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken soup
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/4 cup Frito’s (or any corn chips)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos for garnish
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
-
-
Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Brown the chicken pieces in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno peppers. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
-
Sprinkle ground cumin over the onion mixture and stir to combine. Let it cook for another minute to release the flavors.
-
Add the chicken soup and thawed spinach to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Stir in the sour cream until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
-
Transfer half of the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Layer half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and half of the Frito’s (or corn chips) over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
-
Repeat with the remaining chicken and spinach mixture, followed by the remaining cheese and Frito’s.
-
Sprinkle the top with cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
-
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Jalapeno Chicken Bake hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair it with a side of fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or crispy salad greens for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Use caution when handling jalapeno peppers, especially when chopping, to avoid irritation to the skin and eyes. Consider wearing gloves.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by adding more or fewer jalapenos.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding extra toppings like diced tomatoes, black beans, or avocado slices for added texture and flavor.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the irresistible flavors of this Jalapeno Chicken Bake. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress! Enjoy! 🍽️
