Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with spices. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly on both sides with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring a well-coated surface for flavorful cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture turns lightly golden and forms a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Melt in Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If desired, add the cayenne pepper to lend a subtle kick.
- Add Chicken Back and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh herbal note before serving. Enjoy with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve this dish with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables to complement the cheesy flavors.
- For a milder cheese sauce, substitute cheddar or Mexican blend cheese with Monterey Jack cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
