Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast is a 4-ingredient, 30-minute meal your family will go crazy over! This meal is great for those nights you want something simple that everyone will love. With the smoky and slight hint of spicy heat along with the creamy sharp cheddar, you know this will be a hit any day of the week!
What is Chipotle Pepper?
Chipotle flavoring has taken the culinary world by storm and is one item that’s going to stay around for a long time. What is chipotle, and why do we love it so much?
Chipotle peppers are simply smoked jalapeños. They are most commonly found canned or jarred in adobo sauce – a dark red chili sauce made from chili peppers, herbs, and vinegar. Both the chipotles and adobo sauce are a little on the spicy side. However, they have tremendous flavor. The smoky, earthly taste with that touch of spicy heat makes this popular in Mexican and Spanish cuisines.
Ground chipotle is simply the same smoked jalapeños that have been dried and ground into a powder. It’s perfect for adding a little smokiness and spice to a dish!
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast Pro Tips
Chicken Breast. Cutting the chicken breasts in half will give you more pieces and make you meal go further. However, the chicken can dry out quickly. So be careful not to overcook it.
Cheddar Cheese. It is better to use a block of cheese and shred it yourself. I use the fine shred. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-coagulating agents that prevent caking, but it also prevents it from melting well. However, it saves time if that’s what you want to choose.
Chipotle Spice. Cooking with ground chipotle can release pepper fumes that may cause it to be difficult to breath and coughing. Be sure to turn on the stove vent.
What Can I Serve with Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast?
Here are some of my recipes and other suggestions for excellent side dishes of this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast:
- Spanish-Style Yellow Rice and Lentils
- Black Beans
- Mexican Style Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Chipotle Salsa Verde
- Sour Cream
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Fresh Limes
What Are Some Variations for Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast?
For this meal, I deliberately made it simple. I wanted you to make this and add your own toppings and have fun with it. My idea was to make a spin off of classic fajitas. Sometimes I’ll grill chicken breast seasoned with my Fajita Seasoning Spice Blend, top it with cheese, slice it up, and serve it fajita style. This is a spicier chipotle version of that. Here are some ideas to make this your own.
Use a Different Cheese. Pepper Jack, a Mexican blend, or even sliced queso fresco would all add a different twist to this meal.
Add Lime Juice. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice on the chicken before adding the spices will give a nice citrusy tang that work well with these ingredients.
Serve as a Taco or Fajita. After cooking the chicken, slice it up and add it to a tortilla with your favorite toppings and have it as a taco or fajita.
What Ingredients Are in Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast?
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Canola Oil
- Chipotle Seasoning Blend
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro
- Salt to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chipotle Seasoning Blend – You need to either buy a chipotle blend, or you can use mine by clicking the picture link below.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – I like to use sharp or extra sharp cheddar because they give more flavor. However, you can use mild cheddar if you want to.
How Is Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast Made?
- Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Trim the chicken breasts and slice them in half. Season with salt and sprinkle some chipotle seasoning blend on both sides of each half.
- Heat the canola oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on both sides, 2 minutes each.
- Place the skillet in the oven for 6 minutes. Take it out and and sprinkle even amounts of cheddar cheese on each chicken piece.
- Put the skillet back in the oven and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature on an instant read thermometer reaches 165°.
- Serve with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh tomatoes.
FAQ’s for Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast
You can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
You can use a microwave, but the best option is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium to med-high heat. Add the leftovers to the skillet and heat for a few minutes. If the cheese is cold, you may be able to remove it, heat the chicken, then add it back on at the end to reheat it.
Yes! Freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 months. Be sure to label it with the contents and date. To defrost it, you can put on the counter for up to 2 hours, or defrost it in a covered skillet on med-low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of water.
Other Amazing Recipes That You’ll Love!
Chipotle Spice Seasoning Blend
Roasted Pepperoni Jack Chicken
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Chipotle Seasoning Blend (see notes for recipe)
- 2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 400°F.
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Trim the chicken breasts and slice them in half. Season with salt and sprinkle some chipotle spice blend on both sides of each half.
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Heat the canola oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on both sides, 2 minutes each.
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Place the skillet in the oven for 4 minutes. Take it out and and sprinkle even amounts of cheddar cheese on each chicken piece.
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Put the skillet back in the oven and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature on an instant read thermometer reaches 165°.
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Top with fresh cilantro and serve with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh tomatoes.
Recipe Notes
Cheddar Cheese. It is better to use a block of cheese and shred it yourself. I use the fine shred. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-coagulating agents that prevent caking, but it also prevents it from melting well. However, it saves time if that’s what you want to choose.
Chipotle Spice. Cooking with ground chipotle can release pepper fumes that may cause it to be difficult to breath and coughing. Be sure to turn on the stove vent.
Click the link below for my Chipotle Seasoning Blend