Skillet Roasted Mexican Chicken
Mexican spiced chicken breasts, pan seared and oven roasted with melty cheddar and pepper jack
Ingredients
- 6 split chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp Mexican or Taco Seasoning (my recipe link in notes below, or store-bought)
- 3 Tbsp Canola or Avocado Oil
- 12 oz Grated Cheese Cheddar, Pepper-Jack, Montery Jack - anything you like!
- sliced avocado, cilantro, sour cream for toppings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and position a rack in the center of the oven
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat - I prefer cast iron for recipes like this.
- Rinse and pat the chicken breasts dry, then season liberally with the taco or Mexican seasoning on both sides.
- Heat the oil in the skillet, and sear the chicken breasts (three at a time, so in two batches) for about 7 minutes , then flip for a minute or two. Remove to a plate, and then repeat with the remaining three chicken breasts. When done, load all of the chicken back into the skillet, leaving the more cooked sides facing UP. Top evenly with the grated cheese, and throw the skillet into the oven to roast for approximately 8-12 more minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. NOTE: if you are only making 3 or 4, you can do this whole process in one step, but if you do more than that the chicken won't sear properly. Alternatively, you can use two skillets at the same time, and roast simultaneously as well. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 160 degrees - it will continue to cook as it sits in the pan out of the oven.
- When the chicken has rested, serve sliced over Spanish rice, a salad or chopped into taco's. This is a great leftover item for lunch the next day. Toppings like sliced avocado cilantro, salsa and sour cream are great additions. Enjoy!
Notes
This is a very adaptable recipe that makes great leftovers - the chicken stands alone, goes great with rice, salad, into tacos or quesadilla's, burritos - you name it. It tastes just as good the next day, and is quick and easy with little prep and only one pan.
Taco seasoning - you can use this recipe, or make your own, and store bought is great too - I love Trader Joe's taco seasoning. https://walestable.com/oven-baked-tacos-with-cilantro-ranch/