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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
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This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with classic Southwestern spices. It offers a comforting yet flavorful experience with mild heat suitable for the whole family, making it a versatile one-pan dinner option with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs

Fats for Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Cheese

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and the Mexican spices (cumin, chili powder, and paprika). This infuses the meat with flavor prior to cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to incorporate their flavor.
  4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Gradually add the shredded cheese by the handful, stirring constantly until fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the spoon.
  5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground cumin and chili powder for an enhanced, vibrant flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken; remove it from heat at 160°F as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
  • Choose cheeses that melt easily such as Monterey Jack or mild cheddar to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  • Deglaze the pan with broth to lift and incorporate all browned bits for maximum flavor.
  • Allow the dish to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens and flavors settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce, quick dinner, southwestern spices, creamy chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal, one-pan dinner, family-friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/mexican-chicken-with-cheese-sauce/