Zesty Spiced Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Recipe

The aroma of perfectly seasoned spiced chicken with creamy cheddar sauce dances through the kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Warm spices blend harmoniously with rich, melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that sparks instant hunger.

Every bite promises a symphony of flavors that comfort and excite the palate.

Tender chicken becomes the canvas for a robust spice blend that awakens the senses.

The creamy cheddar sauce adds a luxurious finish, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own stove.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Spiced Chicken with Cheddar Sauce: Ingredients

• Chili Powder: Adds vibrant warmth and depth to the chicken, creating a bold southwestern flavor profile.
• Cumin: Brings an earthy, nutty undertone that complements the spicy notes perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a rich, aromatic essence that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Butter: Creates a luxurious, silky foundation for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base that transforms the sauce into a creamy delight.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy richness that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
• Green Chiles: Introduces a mild, fresh heat that adds complexity to the cheese sauce.
• Cilantro: Brings a bright, fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
• Jalapeños: Offers an optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the chicken.

Tools for This Flavor-Packed Chicken Dish

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour, milk, and creating lump-free sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cilantro, jalapeños, and tomatoes.
• Sharp knife: Helps precisely cut garnish ingredients and slice chicken if desired.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Helps precisely measure milk and other liquid ingredients.

Cooking Cheddar Sauce Chicken Easily

• Chicken Flavor Profile

Blend a mix of zesty spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic to create a bold taste sensation for your chicken breasts.

• Sizzling Skillet Action

Heat a pan with a splash of olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and perfectly tender, transforming the meat into a delectable centerpiece.

• Creamy Cheese Magic

Create a velvety sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually introducing milk until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Fold in sharp cheddar and green chiles for an unexpected flavor punch.

• Gorgeous Garnish

Arrange the chicken on a beautiful plate and cascade the luxurious cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño slices, and juicy tomato bits for a vibrant finishing touch that will make your meal Instagram-worthy.

Tips for Better Creaminess and Heat

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency. For extra creaminess, swap half the milk with heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream at the end.
• Swap chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs for more flavor, or use Greek yogurt instead of milk in the cheese sauce to boost protein and reduce calories. Opt for low-fat cheddar cheese to make the dish lighter.
• Turn leftovers into a delicious quesadilla by shredding the chicken and mixing with the cheese sauce, then stuffing between tortillas. Alternatively, serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete one-pan meal.

Plating Spiced Chicken with Style

• Pair with Zesty Sides: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice or warm cornbread to complement the spicy chicken and creamy sauce.
• Fresh Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for added color, brightness, and fresh flavor that cuts through the rich cheese sauce.
• Create a Tex-Mex Platter: Add black beans, guacamole, and sour cream as accompaniments to turn this dish into a complete, satisfying meal that brings southwestern flair to your dinner table.

How to Hold This Meal for Later Use

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures. Seal containers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to the cheese sauce when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
• Freeze with Caution: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe wrap, separating the sauce. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve quality and taste.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance and cook the sauce earlier in the day. Keep components chilled separately until ready to combine, ensuring optimal flavor and texture when serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Tantalizing Spiced Chicken With Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean spiced chicken with creamy cheddar sauce delivers bold flavor profiles from multiple culinary traditions. Crisp herb-coated chicken nestles under rich cheese sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each expertly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tomatoes, diced
• 2–3 jalapeños, sliced

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a dynamic seasoning mix. Massage the aromatic blend thoroughly across chicken breasts, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Gently position seasoned chicken breasts, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown exterior.
3. Cooking Precision: Roast chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, tracking internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and allow chicken to rest on a clean surface, preserving its juiciness.
4. Sauce Foundation: Utilize the same skillet to melt unsalted butter. Introduce all-purpose flour, whisking vigorously to construct a smooth, lump-free roux that will anchor the sauce’s texture.
5. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour whole milk into the roux, maintaining constant stirring. Reduce heat and continue whisking until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
6. Cheese Infusion: Fold shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles into the creamy base. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a harmonious, silky sauce with balanced flavors.
7. Final Assembly: Plate chicken and cascade the spiced cheddar sauce overtop. Embellish with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, and diced ripe tomatoes to elevate visual appeal and taste complexity.

Notes

• Spice Blend Mastery: Combine spices thoroughly to create a uniform, potent coating that deeply penetrates the chicken, maximizing flavor potential.
• Perfect Chicken Sear: Maintain medium heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce base that serves as the foundation for creamy textures.
• Cheese Sauce Finesse: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg