Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe brings together the warm, smoky flavors of Mexican cuisine with the indulgent smoothness of melted cheese. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with bold taste, ideal for those who love a little spice and a lot of comfort in their meals.
The chicken is seasoned with a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, creating a robust flavor base that’s both savory and slightly smoky. Searing the chicken in a hot skillet locks in the juices, giving the meat a golden, crispy exterior. Baking the chicken in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and stays tender, with the spices infusing deeply into the meat.
The highlight of this dish is the cheese sauce, a luxurious mixture of melted Mexican blend cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth, all brought together with a simple roux made from butter and flour. This sauce is rich and velvety, with a hint of spice that perfectly complements the seasoned chicken. Adding sliced jalapeños to the sauce can kick up the heat, making it customizable to your personal taste.
When poured over the chicken, the cheese sauce transforms the dish into a decadent meal that feels both special and comforting. The sauce envelops each piece of chicken, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp exterior of the meat. Garnished with fresh cilantro, the dish is not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides. Pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a fresh salad with avocado for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of Mexico straight to your table.
This recipe is also adaptable; you can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of chili powder or jalapeños, and you can experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination. No matter how you customize it, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a dish that’s rich in flavor and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then evenly coat them with the spice mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese until fully melted and smooth. If using, add the sliced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken breasts, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce alongside rice, beans, or your favorite Mexican side dishes.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad with avocado.
