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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, melt of unsalted butter. Sprinkle of all-purpose flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the cheese sauce with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- 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