Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Chili Base
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chili beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, salsa, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Arrange Chicken in Pan
Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the chili bean mixture, spooning some sauce over each piece. The chicken should be partially submerged but with the tops exposed for the cheese.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Remove from oven and uncover. Generously top each chicken breast with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, creating a thick layer that will melt beautifully.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature.
Step 9: Garnish and Rest
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute and makes the chicken more tender.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Serve each chicken breast with a generous scoop of the chili bean mixture. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and melted cheese is irresistible.
Chef’s Tips for Success
Pound for Even Cooking: If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the chicken first adds incredible flavor and helps seal in juices.
Customize Heat Level: Use mild or hot diced tomatoes and salsa to control spice level.
Cheese Coverage: Make sure cheese covers the entire top of each chicken breast for that gorgeous melted look.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs right before serving for the brightest color and flavor.
One-Pan Wonder: Using an oven-safe skillet means less cleanup and better flavor development.
Serving Suggestions
This chili cheese chicken bake is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or Spanish rice. Serve with warm flour tortillas or cornbread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette adds freshness.
For extra toppings, set out sour cream, guacamole, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and extra fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their plate.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until heated through.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bring to room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
Slow Cooker Version: Place all ingredients except cheese in slow cooker. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Add cheese during last 15 minutes.
White Chicken Chili: Use white beans, green chiles, and Monterey Jack cheese only for a milder version
BBQ Chicken Style: Replace salsa with BBQ sauce and add crispy bacon
Extra Veggie: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans to the chili base
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the chili and use pepper jack cheese
Italian Twist: Use marinara sauce instead of salsa and Italian seasoning for flavoring
Buffalo Chicken: Mix buffalo sauce into the base and top with blue cheese crumbles
Keto-Friendly: Skip the beans and use low-carb salsa and extra vegetables
This chili cheese chicken bake delivers bold flavors, melty cheese, and tender chicken in every satisfying bite!
