This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and creamy dish that will become a family favorite. The juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are perfectly paired with a rich and velvety cheese sauce that’s packed with the right amount of spice. Serve it alongside rice or vegetables for a delicious, hearty meal. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore the perfect way to prepare this dish!
Ingredients for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
For this dish, we’ll need the following ingredients to bring together the delicious flavors:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
This combination of cheese, spices, and cream brings an irresistible flavor to the chicken, and it’s easy to make. The cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend perfectly, creating a silky sauce that complements the seasoned chicken.
Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle taco seasoning generously on both sides of the chicken breasts. This seasoning will infuse the chicken with a Mexican-inspired flavor. Once seasoned, you’re ready to cook.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. The chicken should become golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. To check if it’s cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now, it’s time to create the creamy cheese sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine the spices and cream, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The cheese will melt quickly, and the sauce will thicken, creating a luxurious base for the chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Spoon the creamy cheese sauce generously over each piece of chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken is fully coated with the creamy sauce, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or any side dish of your choice. The cheese sauce is rich, so it pairs wonderfully with a simple side that will help balance the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so if you prefer them over chicken breasts, feel free to use them. Adjust the cooking time, as chicken thighs may require a little more time to cook through.
2. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream if it becomes too thick.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce. This will give it an extra kick of heat while still maintaining the creamy texture.
4. How can I make this dish low-carb?
To make this dish lower in carbs, you can serve the chicken with a cauliflower rice substitute instead of regular rice. Additionally, you could omit or reduce the amount of cheese used in the sauce for a lighter version.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat gently on the stove.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be sautéed and added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Adding vegetables can make this dish more hearty and nutritious.
Conclusion
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a quick and satisfying meal that brings the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and bold Mexican spices. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a weekend family gathering, this dish will surely be a hit. The easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients make this recipe a keeper. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra touch of freshness and flavor. Enjoy!