Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering!
Ingredients List
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns light golden brown.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cheese sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it well.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the cheese sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the Mexican chicken with cheese sauce over rice, tortillas, or with a side of beans.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 36g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and cheese will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: You can add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat, if desired.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Conclusion
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and provide additional moisture and flavor.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve, just be sure to stir in a little milk to maintain the consistency.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a side of guacamole and chips.
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns light golden brown.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cheese sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it well.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the cheese sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the Mexican chicken with cheese sauce over rice, tortillas, or with a side of beans.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
