Sweet and Savory Jalapeño Jelly Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lb Chicken (Use thin-cut or regular chicken breasts, 1-inch diced chicken, or boneless skinless chicken thighs.)
• 7.5 oz Garden vegetable cream cheese (Soften before whisking.)
• 0.5 cup Jalapeño jelly (The finished dish is intended to be more sweet and savory than spicy.)
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 3 tbsp Ranch seasoning
• Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese (Use enough to cover the chicken; approximately 150 g is a practical estimate for a 9x13-inch dish.)
• Cooking spray (For coating the 9x13-inch baking dish.)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (For seasoning the chicken.)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika (For seasoning the chicken.)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (For seasoning the chicken.)
• Bacon crumbles (Optional garnish; use instead of fresh parsley.)
• Fresh parsley (Optional garnish; use instead of bacon crumbles.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. 3

   Place the chicken in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. If using whole breasts or thighs, arrange them without overlapping; if using diced chicken, spread the pieces evenly.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.

5. 5

   In a bowl, whisk the softened garden vegetable cream cheese until smooth enough to combine.

6. 6

   Add the jalapeño jelly, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning to the cream cheese. Whisk until the sauce is as smooth and evenly blended as possible.

7. 7

   Pour the sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken, making sure the pieces are well coated.

8. 8

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 400°F according to the chicken cut: thin-cut breasts or 1-inch diced chicken for 20–25 minutes; regular breasts about 1 inch thick for 28–35 minutes; large breasts 1½–2 inches thick for 35–45 minutes; or boneless skinless thighs for 30–40 minutes.

9. 9

   During the final 5–10 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.

10. 10

    Scatter shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese over the chicken. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling lightly.

11. 11

    Check the thickest piece of chicken with an instant-read thermometer; it is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). If necessary, continue baking until it reaches that temperature.

12. 12

    Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.

13. 13

    Garnish with bacon crumbles or fresh parsley, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, and serve.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered egg noodles, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a side salad. Choose the baking time based on the thickness and cut of chicken, and always verify doneness with a thermometer.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• baked
• chicken
• sweet-and-savory
• cheesy
• easy dinner
• family-friendly