Description
A bold and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Mexican spices and smothered in a creamy, zesty cheese sauce. Perfect served over rice, with tortillas, or alongside vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and jalapeños, if using. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon cheese sauce over top. Cook for 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version of the sauce.
- Double the cheese sauce for extra indulgence or to use as a dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce chicken, spicy chicken dinner, easy skillet chicken, creamy Mexican chicken