Description
Indulgent Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce brings robust flavors straight from traditional kitchens. Melted cheese cascades over tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience that satisfies you with each rich, spicy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasoning and Spices:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeño pepper (diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning mixture for the chicken.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously coat each piece with the prepared spice blend, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board while preparing the cheese sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, allowing it to melt completely.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching, and gradually incorporate monterey jack cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Whisk in sour cream and diced jalapeño, creating a rich and slightly spicy cheese sauce.
- Slice rested chicken breasts into diagonal strips and arrange on serving plates.
- Generously pour warm cheese sauce over chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately while cheese sauce is hot and chicken remains tender.
Notes
- Adjust spice blend intensity by increasing or decreasing chili powder for personal heat preference.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for more moisture and deeper flavor profile.
- Swap monterey jack with pepper jack cheese to elevate spiciness and add extra kick to the sauce.
- Select fresh jalapeños with vibrant green color for maximum flavor and consistent heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg