Description
Spicy Mexican chicken melts with rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that blends zesty jalapeños and tender meat. Comfort and flavor unite in this classic recipe, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- ¼ cup (4 grams) chopped cilantro
- ½ cup (75 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning blend for chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, ensuring even surface coverage.
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with prepared spice mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust and cook completely, approximately 6-9 minutes per side.
- Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) using a meat thermometer.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, allowing minimal resting time to retain moisture.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter.
- Gradually sprinkle all-purpose flour into melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour whole milk into roux, stirring consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles.
- Stir cheese sauce until completely smooth and heated throughout, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Plate chicken and generously ladle warm cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, and diced ripe tomatoes for vibrant color and additional flavor.
Notes
- Spice Blend Matters: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile that infuses the chicken with authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
- Precise Cooking Technique: Ensure chicken is browned evenly and cooked thoroughly, using 7-8 minutes per side to lock in moisture and develop a golden exterior.
- Cheese Sauce Secrets: Whisk flour and butter carefully to create a smooth roux, which prevents lumps and forms the perfect base for a creamy, rich cheese sauce.
- Gradual Milk Addition: Pour milk slowly while continuously whisking to achieve a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Garnish Boost: Top with vibrant cilantro, spicy jalapeños, and fresh diced tomatoes to add color, texture, and bright flavor contrasts to the dish.
- One-Skillet Convenience: Utilize the same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture all the delicious browned bits and minimize cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg