Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

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Description:
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a comforting and hearty meal. Featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering. Serve it with a side of rice, tortillas, or over nachos for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
  • In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  1. Make the Cheese Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Add the diced green chiles and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed.
  1. Combine and Serve:
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over the chicken. Allow it to simmer gently for a couple of minutes to reheat the chicken in the sauce.
  • Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and diced avocado if desired.
  1. Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce over steamed rice, wrapped in warm tortillas, or atop crispy tortilla chips for nachos.

Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 40g

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile and can be tailored to suit a range of tastes and occasions. The creamy, spicy cheese sauce complements the savory flavors of the seasoned chicken, making it a dish that’s sure to be requested time and again. Enjoy this flavorful meal with family and friends!

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