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Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheese Sauce

This Mexican chicken recipe with creamy cheese sauce delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety cheese sauce perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan masterpiece balances Tex-Mex spices with a silky smooth cheese sauce that coats every bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure both sides are evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute until golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
  6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over them. Add diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or warm tortillas.

Notes

Don't crowd the pan when cooking chicken - cook in batches if needed. Use quality cheeses that melt well. Keep heat moderate when making cheese sauce to prevent scorching.