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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared with fresh spices and simmered in a tangy grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), topped with a creamy plant-based cheese sauce (natural). Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers vibrant Mexican-inspired tastes perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, with versatility to pair with rice, beans, or vegetables for a satisfying family-friendly meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics and Simmering

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup grape juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (natural), shredded or chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika to set a savory foundation for the dish.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, locking in moisture and building flavor.
  3. Cook Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet and add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Simmer with Grape Juice and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Add grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to the skillet. Return the chicken to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Make the Plant-Based Cheese Sauce (natural): In a separate saucepan, gently melt the plant-based cheese (natural) with water and natural gelling agent, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine and Serve: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, warming it through for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before plating and serve.

Notes

  • Perfect seasoning: Ensure you salt the chicken before cooking to enhance flavor.
  • Use freshly ground cumin and paprika for the most vibrant flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent slowly to achieve the desired cheese sauce thickness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
  • Simmer on low heat to keep chicken tender and prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Mexican chicken, plant-based cheese sauce, quick chicken recipe, creamy chicken, gluten free, weeknight dinner, Mexican cuisine, dairy-free cheese sauce