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In the realm of home cooking, few meals are as satisfying as a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Enter Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken, a recipe that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a burst of color and excitement to your dinner table. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty ranch dressing, elevated with the heat of fresh jalapeños, and topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy.

Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken

Discover the delicious blend of spice and creaminess with Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken breasts marinated in zesty ranch dressing, enhanced by fresh jalapeños and topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe not only pleases the palate but also brightens up your dinner table. Elevate your cooking game with this flavorful and satisfying meal that’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)

2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild based on preference)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld (for a richer taste, marinate for up to 2 hours).

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake the chicken.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (be sure to set aside any leftover marinade) and carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet. Sear each breast for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is slightly cooked through.

        Bake the Chicken: After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet, making sure to evenly distribute it. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over each chicken breast. Carefully 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) for safe consumption.

          Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes for optimal juiciness. Finish by garnishing the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the spicy jalapeño ranch chicken with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

              30 minutes | 55 minutes | Serves 4

                Presentation Tips: To enhance presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the skillet over the chicken for a glossy finish.