Description
Sizzling Mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings authentic flavors straight from Mexico’s culinary heart. Creamy, spicy layers create a mouthwatering experience that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup shredded chicken
Cheese Components:
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light olive oil coating to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken breasts thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create the cheese sauce by combining monterey jack, cheddar, and cream cheese with heavy cream and chicken broth in the skillet, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution of the cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese sauce is bubbling and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top for a bright, zesty finish.
- Serve hot, accompanied by the rich, creamy cheese sauce and optional side dishes.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs or turkey breasts as alternative protein options for varied texture and flavor profiles.
- Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using milder spice blends for sensitive palates.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted bell peppers or spinach directly into the cheese sauce for extra vegetables and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg