Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken and creamy cheese sauce, packed with bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, this Mexican chicken dish is sure to impress. Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta of flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican chicken with cheese sauce recipe has so much to offer. It’s not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
– Quick and easy: You can have this delicious dish on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.
– Bursting with flavor: The combination of spices, herbs, and cheese creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
– Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve the chicken with cheese sauce as a main dish, or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
– Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this Mexican chicken dish. It’s a great way to introduce bold flavors to picky eaters.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese sauce:
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish:
– Chopped fresh cilantro
– Diced tomatoes
– Sliced jalapenos
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and pour the cheese sauce over the top.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos, if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
– To add a hint of smokiness to the dish, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika over the chicken before cooking.
– For a spicier version, you can add some diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
– If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk.
Variations and Substitutions
– If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment. Pepper Jack, Colby, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would work well in this recipe.
– For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of the cheese sauce. Simply mix Greek yogurt with some lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican chicken with cheese sauce is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some tasty accompaniments:
– Rice: Serve the chicken and cheese sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice.
– Tortillas: Warm up some flour tortillas and serve the chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos.
– Mexican-style salad: Pair the dish with a refreshing salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve the cheese sauce immediately after preparing it, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious Mexican chicken with cheese sauce recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavors!
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
A delicious Mexican chicken with cheese sauce recipe that combines tender chicken with a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce, packed with bold Mexican flavors. Quick, easy to make, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a fiesta of flavors!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Diced tomatoes, for garnish
- Sliced jalapenos, for garnish
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
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Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened and simmering.
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Reduce heat to low, add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
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Slice cooked chicken breasts and pour cheese sauce over the top.
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Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
