Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños, pan-seared to golden perfection with a hint of smokiness from the peppers. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeño pepper, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 348 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 348 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Step 2: Season both sides of chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Divide 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp finely diced jalapeño pepper evenly between the chicken breasts, placing filling in center.
  4. Step 4: Fold sides over filling and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  5. Step 5: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  6. Step 6: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Step 7: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Step 8: Reduce heat to medium, pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth, cover skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sharp cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breast?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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