Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Introduction:

Embark on a culinary journey south of the border with a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico—Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. This flavorful and comforting dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, savory cheese sauce infused with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine at home, this recipe is a fiesta for your senses. Join us as we uncover the secrets to preparing this delectable dish and add a touch of Mexican flair to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 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
• 1/4 cup chopped green chiles
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Place the cooked chicken on a serving plate. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes.
4. Enjoy this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce as a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the warmth of spices with the richness of cheese.
5. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
6. Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Serving Tips:

1. Present with Color and Flair: Arrange the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce on a serving platter, ensuring that the creamy cheese sauce coats each chicken breast evenly. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado for a vibrant and visually appealing presentation.
2. Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce alongside classic Mexican side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. These sides complement the flavors of the dish and create a well-rounded meal.
3. Offer Warm Tortillas or Crusty Bread: Provide warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and enhance the dining experience. Guests can use the tortillas or bread to create flavorful wraps or sop up any remaining sauce on their plates.
4. Accompany with Refreshing Beverages: Pair Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce with refreshing beverages such as Mexican beer, margaritas, agua fresca, or hibiscus tea to balance the richness of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.
5. Serve as a Crowd-Pleaser: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is perfect for gatherings and parties. Consider setting up a DIY taco bar with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, allowing guests to customize their chicken dishes according to their preferences.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Reheat Gently: To reheat the leftovers, place the chicken and cheese sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the dish in a covered skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
3. Avoid Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked chicken and cheese sauce separately, the texture and consistency may change upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce fresh or refrigerated for optimal taste and texture.
4. Enjoy Within a Few Days: Consume leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce within 2-3 days for the best quality and flavor. Discard any leftovers that have been stored in the refrigerator for longer than the recommended timeframe.
5. Portion and Package for Convenience: Consider portioning the leftover chicken and cheese sauce into individual serving containers before refrigerating to make reheating and serving more convenient. Label the containers with the date to track freshness.

FAQs:

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
   • While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for convenience and ease of cooking, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Is there a substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?
   • If you don’t have Mexican cheese blend on hand, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
3. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • To add a kick of heat to the dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or cumin in both the chicken seasoning and the cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
5. Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
   • Yes, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a great option for meal prep. Simply cook the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce as directed, then portion them into meal prep containers along with your choice of sides. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before enjoying for a quick and easy meal during the week.