Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a gooey cheese sauce. A perfect blend of spices and cheeses makes this dish a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub chicken with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake Chicken: Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in onion powder, cayenne. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack, stir until melted.
- Serve: Spoon cheese sauce over baked chicken. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or tomatoes. Serve with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in lime juice and spices for added flavor.
- Pepper Jack cheese can be used for extra heat.
- Cheese sauce is versatile and can be used for nachos or veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
