✨ Juicy, spiced chicken topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce – this dish is a flavorful showstopper! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive Mexican-inspired feast. 🌟
📝 Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🥄 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🧄 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧅 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 🧂 Salt and ⚫ black pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🌾 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 🥛 1 cup milk (warm)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 🧂 Salt, to taste
Optional toppings:
- 🌿 Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 🌶️ Sliced jalapeños
- 🍅 Diced tomatoes
- 🍋 Lime wedges
📋 Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cayenne pepper and salt to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked chicken on a serving platter and pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes if desired.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or warm tortillas. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful delight!
📊 Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
- 🔥 Kcal: 320 kcal per serving
- 🍽️ Servings: 4