Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked to juicy completion. Topped with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce infused with smoky spices and garlic, this dish offers a deliciously comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeños or diced tomatoes, it pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnish and Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build the base flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust, locking in juices and flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the baked chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and add optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm alongside rice, tortillas, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to either the chicken seasoning or the cheese sauce.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar to introduce a bit more heat and flavor complexity.
- Leftover chicken works great in tacos, enchiladas, or salads for a quick, delicious meal.
