Description
This flavorful dish features tender, juicy chicken infused with Mexican-inspired spices and topped with a creamy, rich cheese sauce. Perfect as a main course, it pairs well with rice, beans, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3️⃣ Make the cheese sauce:
While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.
4️⃣ Add the cheese:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Mexican cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to low heat if needed to ensure the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Combine and serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Pour the cheese sauce generously over the chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
6️⃣ Serve hot:
Plate the chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as Spanish rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in lime juice and a splash of olive oil before seasoning.
- To spice things up, stir diced jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder into the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain the cheese sauce’s creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4