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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a quick and easy dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety cheese sauce infused with traditional Mexican spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting recipe offers bold flavors with simple ingredients, delivering a satisfying meal great for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup green chilies or 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the green chilies or jalapeños for a gentle heat boost.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and velvety.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over it. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the creamy sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as tortillas, Mexican rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of flour or liquid in the sauce to achieve your desired thickness.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and better sauce texture.
  • Monitor cooking times carefully to avoid overcooking chicken; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Use fresh spices rather than pre-mixed blends with additives for bolder, cleaner flavors.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, creamy chicken, spicy chicken, weeknight meal