Description
Sizzling Mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings fiesta flavors right to your dinner table. Melted cheese, spicy seasonings, and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel, optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant spice blend by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly massage the spice mixture into both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, monitoring the internal temperature to reach a safe 165°F.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean surface and let it rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- This resting period helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and ensures a tender, flavorful result when served.
Notes
- Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Toast spices briefly in the skillet before seasoning to enhance their aromatic flavor profile and deepen the overall taste.
- Consider using a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken texture.
- Swap cayenne pepper with mild chili powder for a kid-friendly version or reduce heat for sensitive palates while preserving the authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg