Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich cheese sauce, perfect for serving over rice or with tortillas. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a comforting meal that the whole family will love!

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 onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Making Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
2. Serve: Serve the Mexican chicken with cheese sauce over rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	20g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or using spicy cheese.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the cheese sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a tasty meal!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving with the chicken.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.