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Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce Recipe

Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce Recipe

A quick and flavorful recipe transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. Inspired by Abuela Elena's love of cheesy comfort food and vibrant Mexican flavors.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)
  • 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Diced green onions
  • Tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper
  2. Cook the Chicken: Spread the seasoned chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, making a roux.
    2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
    2 cups milk
  5. Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
    8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  6. Add the Kick: Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies and chopped cilantro.
    1/2 cup diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  7. Combine: Add the cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  8. Serve: Serve your delicious Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce Recipe immediately. Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, diced green onions, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
    Sour cream, Guacamole, Diced green onions, Tortilla chips