Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful, creamy dish that’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with bold Mexican spices and smothered in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or alongside your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken:
    • In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
    • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
    • Add chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Assemble:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  5. Serve:
    • Plate the chicken with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle extra cheese sauce over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños if desired.

Tips:

  • Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
  • Cheese Options: Swap out cheddar or Monterey Jack for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

This creamy, cheesy, and spice-packed Mexican chicken dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table!

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