Description
Mexican-inspired smothered chicken burritos deliver incredible flavor combinations with tender chicken, melted cheese, and spicy sauce. Home cooks can quickly craft this satisfying meal that brings zesty southwestern comfort directly to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved
- 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (90 g)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (113 g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
- 1 cup evaporated milk (240 ml)
- 2 tbsps cornstarch (16 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) salt
- 0.125 tsp (1/8 tsp) pepper
- 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) dried basil
- 0.25 cups (¼ cup) fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cups (½ cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Balsamic glaze (optional topping)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Prepare: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 25-30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour chicken broth into the pan. Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and gradually incorporate into the skillet, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Develop Pasta Layer: Add macaroni noodles and simmer for 9-11 minutes until pasta is tender. Blend in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Enhance Flavor Profile: Introduce diced tomatoes and freshly chopped basil leaves. Slice chicken into thin strips and return to the pan, ensuring even distribution.
- Final Presentation: Plate the smothered chicken creation, optionally drizzling with balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch.
Notes
- Perfectly Time Chicken: Cook exactly 5-6 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown exterior and safe internal temperature of 165°F without drying out meat.
- Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk thoroughly to prevent lumps and create smooth, creamy sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
- Enhance Flavor Layers: Sauté garlic briefly to release aromatic essence before adding broth, which builds depth and complexity in the dish.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add shredded cheeses gradually and stir continuously to ensure complete melting and prevent scorching, creating silky smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg