Sizzling Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Spiced chicken crafts ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures with its bold, tantalizing flavors.

Aromatic spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of taste that awakens your senses.

Warmth and complexity emerge from carefully selected seasonings that elevate this dish beyond simple protein preparations.

Robust spice blends promise a delightful journey through layers of nuanced and vibrant ingredients.

Culinary magic happens when carefully balanced spices interact with succulent chicken, promising a memorable dining experience.

Rich cheddar sauce provides a creamy counterpoint to the intense spice profile, softening and complementing each remarkable bite.

Comfort meets excitement in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Savor Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

• Spice Up Your Protein: Discover a flavor explosion with perfectly seasoned chicken, combining chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a bold and zesty profile that transforms an ordinary chicken breast into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Creamy Cheese Comfort: Dive into a luxurious cheddar sauce that's velvety smooth, packed with melted cheese and green chiles, creating a rich and tangy accompaniment that elevates the entire dish with minimal effort.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, with simple cooking techniques and minimal ingredients that make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and without excess fat.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the cheese sauce.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that provides deep, warm flavor and enhances the chicken's taste.

• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides liquid base for the creamy sauce, creating a silky texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Green Chiles: Introduces a mild, slightly spicy kick to the creamy sauce.

• Cilantro, Jalapeños, Tomatoes: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and additional layers of flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.

How to Make Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Season the Chicken

• Grab chicken breasts and sprinkle with
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure even coverage.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green chiles

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes silky. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes

Serve immediately while sauce is warm and chicken is juicy.

Helpful Tips for Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken in spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste and tenderness.
• Prevent Cheese Sauce Lumps: Whisk flour and butter thoroughly before adding milk, ensuring a silky smooth consistency without clumps.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired sauce texture – add more for thinner sauce, less for richer consistency.
• Select Cheese Wisely: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for more intense flavor and better melting properties compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Temperature Management: Cook chicken over medium heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior without burning.

Reheating and Storage Guide for Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate the chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Use shallow containers to help cool the food quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Method 1 – Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Separately reheat the cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.
• Reheat Method 2 – Microwave: Slice chicken and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature.

Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Pairing Ideas

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Complement the spiced chicken's bold flavors with a tangy margarita. The lime's brightness cuts through the creamy cheddar sauce, while tequila adds a spirited kick that matches the dish's warmth.
• Serve with Crisp Southwestern Salad: Balance the rich, cheesy chicken with a light, refreshing salad. Mix mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to echo the dish's Mexican-inspired seasonings.
• Enjoy with Cool Pale Ale: Select a citrusy, hoppy pale ale that can stand up to the chicken's spices. The beer's crispness will contrast the creamy sauce, creating a delightful flavor harmony that enhances every bite.
• Add Roasted Corn Salsa: Top the dish with a homemade corn salsa featuring charred kernels, red onions, and a squeeze of lime. This vibrant side adds texture and a fresh, zesty element that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.

Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Recipe Twists

• Southwestern Spice Fusion: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add corn kernels to the sauce for a vibrant, zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap chili powder with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and top with chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-style profile.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Melt: Incorporate barbecue sauce into the cheese sauce, use smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a rich, tangy flavor.
• Creamy Curry Chicken: Introduce mild curry powder to the chicken rub, blend turmeric into the cheese sauce, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an Indian-inspired transformation.

Spiced Chicken With Creamy Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors wrapped in a silky cheese embrace. Succulent chicken breasts seasoned with zesty spices melt into a rich, tangy cheddar sauce that promises comfort and excitement in each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream

Herbs and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup tomatoes, diced
• 2–3 jalapeños, sliced

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant spice blend by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the aromatic seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.
3. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Ensure the meat is fully cooked with no pink center. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt of unsalted butter. Sprinkle of all-purpose flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux.
5. Slowly stream of whole milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
6. Incorporate of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and of chopped green chiles into the creamy base. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce achieves a silky consistency.
7. Season the cheese sauce with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
8. Plate the cooked chicken and generously drizzle the spiced cheddar sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, and diced ripe tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Spice Blend Matters: Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a deep, layered flavor profile for the chicken.
• Perfect Chicken Technique: Cook chicken slowly over medium heat to ensure even browning and prevent drying out, aiming for a golden exterior and juicy interior.
• Sauce Whisking Secrets: Continuously whisk flour and milk to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth base for the creamy cheddar sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Lower heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a velvety, uniform cheese sauce.
• Garnish for Freshness: Top with cilantro, jalapeños, and tomatoes to add bright colors, texture, and a pop of fresh flavor that complements the rich, spiced chicken.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing in refrigerator and reheating gently before serving for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg