Description
Mexican chicken delights with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that blends bold spices and rich flavors. Comfort meets culinary excitement, inviting diners to savor each delectable bite of this hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsps flour
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese (fresh, not pre-packaged)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Spice Blend Preparation: Combine all ground spices – chili, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper – in a compact container, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious seasoning blend.
- Chicken Seasoning: Meticulously coat chicken breasts on both surfaces with the spice mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Grilling Process: Preheat grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing surface that promotes caramelization and locks in chicken’s natural moisture.
- Cooking Technique: Position seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill pan, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat with a tantalizingly crisp exterior.
- Resting Phase: Allow grilled chicken to rest momentarily, permitting natural juices to redistribute and enhance overall succulence.
- Cheese Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, establishing a smooth base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- Roux Development: Introduce flour to melted butter, whisking continuously to create a golden, lump-free roux that serves as the sauce’s thickening agent.
- Sauce Transformation: Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps and develop a silky, uniform consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Once the mixture reaches optimal thickness, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes completely smooth, glossy, and luxuriously creamy.
- Flavor Enhancement: Elevate the sauce’s complexity by adding a sprinkle of paprika and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt to intensify the overall flavor profile.
- Plating and Finishing: Transfer perfectly grilled chicken to serving plates and generously cascade the warm, velvety cheese sauce over the top, creating a visually appealing and delectable presentation.
- Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and sauce consistency, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.
Notes
- Spice Blend Pro Tip: Create the spice mixture ahead of time and store in an airtight container for quick future use.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results.
- Resting Technique: Let chicken rest 5-7 minutes after grilling to lock in moisture and enhance tenderness.
- Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk milk into roux gradually and consistently to prevent lumpy cheese sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg