Introduction:
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, typically served over rice, with tortillas, or alongside a fresh salad. The cheese sauce, made with real cheese, gives the dish a comforting and indulgent touch, while the chicken is often seasoned with classic Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (or any other Mexican blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños or green chilies for extra spice
Tips for Success:
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning of the chicken and cheese sauce according to your taste. Add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese Melting: Make sure to cook the cheese sauce on low heat to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, let it simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and browned. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to enhance flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add the chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, stir in diced jalapeños or green chilies.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the Mexican chicken with cheese sauce over rice, with tortillas, or alongside your favorite side dishes like beans or guacamole.
Description:
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce offers a delicious combination of spicy, tender chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that brings bold Mexican flavors to your plate, balanced by the richness of the cheese. The added chilies give a subtle heat that can be adjusted to your taste, making this dish versatile for the whole family.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. The creamy cheese sauce complements the flavorful, seasoned chicken for a meal that is both comforting and bursting with flavor. Serve it with your favorite Mexican sides, and don’t forget a generous helping of the cheese sauce!