Description
Creamy mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables. Melted queso and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Blend paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken breasts.
- Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Without cleaning the skillet, pour chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and incorporate the flavorful pan drippings for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk shredded cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a velvety smooth sauce with rich, tangy undertones.
- Enhance the sauce by gently folding in diced tomatoes, which add bright acidity and fresh texture.
- Carefully reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious cheese sauce.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh cilantro over the top, adding a vibrant herbal note and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, warm tortillas, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for a spicier or milder sauce profile.
- Allow the cheese sauce to thicken naturally without over-stirring, which can cause separation and grainy texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg