Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. It pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a side of vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 30g