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Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce brings fiery southwestern flavors straight to your kitchen, blending traditional ingredients with irresistible zest. Creamy, melted cheese cascades over tender chicken, promising a delicious journey through Mexico’s culinary landscape that you’ll savor with every memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the spiced chicken.
  2. Create a robust spice blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken thoroughly.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, ensuring even placement.
  5. Craft a velvety cheese sauce by gently melting shredded cheese with heavy cream and green chilies in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  6. Generously drench the chicken with the prepared cheese sauce, covering each piece completely.
  7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches full doneness and the sauce becomes wonderfully bubbly.
  8. Add a final flourish of fresh cilantro just before serving, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and using mild or hot green chilies depending on heat preference.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-fat cheese sauce variation.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for more juicy and flavorful meat option that stays tender during baking.
  • Enhance dish with additional toppings like diced jalapeños, sliced avocado, or crumbled queso fresco for extra texture and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 527 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg