Description
Savor the rich, zesty flavors of Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, a culinary journey through spicy textures and creamy delights. Comfort meets excitement on your plate, inviting you to explore bold southwestern tastes with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp chili powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, prepare cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chili powder, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
- Pour warm cheese sauce over cooked chicken, covering evenly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional diced jalapeño.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving to enhance flavors.
- Serve immediately while cheese sauce is warm and chicken is tender.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough.
- Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for richer, more robust flavor in the sauce.
- Transform this dish into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 704 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg