Description
This Mexican Chicken recipe features perfectly spiced chicken breasts topped with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add the diced green chilies, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the chicken breasts before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute the cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Serve with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg