Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

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1. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Drizzle with lime juice and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
  5. Season: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. If using, add the diced tomatoes and green chilies for extra flavor.

3. Serve:

  1. Plate Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts on serving plates.
  2. Top with Cheese Sauce: Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over the chicken.
  3. Garnish: Garnish with additional diced tomatoes, green chilies, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions, if desired.

4. Enjoy:

  1. Serve Hot: Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce immediately with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations:

  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavors.
  • Grilled Option: For a grilled version, cook the marinated chicken breasts on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or incorporating cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the cheese sauce for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Enjoy the bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite!

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