Description
Sizzling Mexican chicken drowns in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that promises pure comfort. Rich layers of flavor merge seamlessly, delivering a quick dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Oil and Juice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by massaging it with a blend of zesty spices, including taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then lightly coat with olive oil to enhance flavor and promote even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and cook the seasoned chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches a fully cooked state with a golden-brown exterior.
- During the final minute of cooking, splash fresh lime juice over the chicken to infuse a bright, citrusy note and add depth to the overall taste profile.
- Create a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporating flour to develop a roux, which will serve as the base for a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Gradually introduce milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken and transform into a smooth, rich sauce.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the ingredients meld into a harmonious, silky cheese sauce.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to serving plates, then lavishly drench each piece with the warm, decadent cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish to add a burst of color and a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Complement the Mexican chicken with your choice of accompaniments such as fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Ensure even seasoning by patting chicken dry before adding spices, helping the herbs and spices adhere better to the meat’s surface.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without overcooking.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheeses, maintaining flavor while cutting calories.
- Create a gluten-free option by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when thickening the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg