Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, spiced chicken breasts topped with a creamy cheddar cheese and green chile sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and tomatoes for an added burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green chiles
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly on both sides with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour continuously until it forms a smooth paste and is lightly bubbling, about 1-2 minutes, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate cheese and chiles: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Taste the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken breasts and generously spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes for freshness and a hint of spice.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative if needed.
- For a spicier dish, add more jalapeños or use a hotter cheese like pepper jack.
- To keep chicken moist, avoid overcooking and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
