Description
Quick Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce combines tender chicken with a creamy plant-based cheese sauce and vibrant fresh flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish features smoky spices, tangy tomatoes, and bright lime and cilantro, delivering an authentic Mexican-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural flavoring)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (natural flavoring)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (or mild bell pepper for less heat)
- 400g diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese sauce
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt, smoked paprika (natural flavoring), and cumin (natural flavoring). Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly and add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced jalapeño to the same pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, allowing the aromas to fill the kitchen.
- Build the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the plant-based cheese sauce and stir to combine. Allow it to melt into a creamy, velvety sauce coating the chicken perfectly. Heat through for a few minutes until the sauce thickens just right.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for brightness and freshness. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicy results.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it tender.
- Make the plant-based cheese sauce ahead to save time on busy nights.
- Adjust chili amount gradually to suit your preferred spice level.
- Fresh cilantro is essential to brighten the dish and balance richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Mexican chicken, plant-based cheese sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, creamy sauce, authentic Mexican
