If you like Mexican style food, and a little bit of heat you’ll really like this one.
By Kurt Winner
I would suggest using locally raised or organic chicken. I have always gotten the best results, tender, flavorful and not rubbery like some of the other brands. 
Hot and Spicy Cinco de Mayo Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Hot and Spicy Cinco de Mayo Chicken features tender chicken breasts topped with jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, delivering a flavorful kick perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- Oven proof casserole dish
- Boneless chicken breasts, one per person, you may need more
- ½ to 1 Jalapeno pepper per breast
- Extra sharp Tillamook cheddar cheese
- Thin sliced green onions
- Chopped or whole cilantro, the fresher the better
- Butchers twine (pure cotton) or toothpicks
- El Pato brand jalapeno salsa, or your favorite brand
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place each chicken breast between layers of plastic wrap and pound them flat using a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In an oven-proof casserole dish, drizzle a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Place the flattened chicken breasts in the casserole dish.
- Slice the jalapeno peppers thinly and distribute them evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of extra sharp Tillamook cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro over the cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
For best results, use locally raised or organic chicken for a tender and flavorful dish. Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat level. This dish pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100
