Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe! With a blend of spices, tender chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of chili powder, garlic, and cumin creates a bold and delicious taste.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead, saving you time and effort.
Ingredient Notes:
- Thin sliced, skinless + boneless chicken breast
- Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper
- Olive oil
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Milk
- Cayenne pepper, paprika
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to °F and line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the seasonings for the chicken in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it in on both sides.
- Sprinkle the mixed seasonings over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat each side.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the cheese sauce by melting butter over medium heat in a small saucepan.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth, then slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly.
- Add the shredded cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper, stirring until smooth.
- Serve the chicken over your choice of grain, drizzle with the cheese sauce, and garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, and a fresh salad. Pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for the perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to the cheese sauce to revive its creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
- Can I freeze this dish? While you can freeze the chicken, the cheese sauce may not freeze well due to the dairy content.
Conclusion:
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
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Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender seasoned chicken with a creamy cheese sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. thin sliced, skinless + boneless chicken breast about 6 breasts
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsps paprika
- 1 1/2 tsps ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- olive oil
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese
- fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix together all of your seasonings together for chicken in a small bowl.
- Place chicken breasts on lined baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over each breast, and rub around on each side.
- Take your mixed seasonings and sprinkle all over chicken breasts, making sure to rub on each side.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or when chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°.
- While chicken is cooking, make your sauce by melting butter over medium heat in a small sauce pan.
- When butter is melted, add flour and whisk until smooth.
- Add in milk slowly, whisking constantly until nice and smooth.
- Add in your shredded cheese, and whisk constantly until smooth.
- Add in paprika and cayenne. Mix until well combined.
- To serve chicken, place over grain of choice.
- Drizzle with cheese sauce and fresh parsley (optional).
- Enjoy!
Notes
- I made a delicious Mexican Rice to serve with my chicken! You can find the recipe here
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg