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High Protein Jalapeño Chicken Bake - Simple, Spicy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 medium breasts)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeded for less heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%) or 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or a pinch of sugar)
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for savory bite)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. If they’re thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound to even thickness (about 3/4 inch). Season all over with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  3. Quick sear for flavor (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish. If skipping this step, just place the seasoned chicken directly in the dish.
  4. Make the creamy jalapeño sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese), chicken broth, lime juice, honey, and minced garlic until smooth. Stir in half the jalapeño slices. Taste and adjust salt and lime as needed. The mixture should be tangy, a little sweet, and lightly spicy.
  5. Assemble: Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Scatter the remaining jalapeño slices on top.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  7. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve with lime wedges.
  8. Serve with balance: Pair with a fiber-rich side like roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.