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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup assorted bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish This dish starts with chicken breasts. I use boneless and skinless ones for easier cooking. Next, I add spices. Ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder give a great flavor. I also add salt and black pepper to taste. For veggies, I choose colorful bell peppers and onions. They bring sweetness and crunch. Corn kernels add a nice texture, while black beans boost the protein. Finally, I use shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a tangy kick. Don't forget fresh cilantro! It gives a bright finish. Gather these ingredients for a tasty Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Season both sides of the chicken breasts with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly. - In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. - Mix in the corn and black beans. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. - Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. - Top each chicken breast with the sautéed vegetable mixture. - Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken and vegetables. - Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an extra 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. - Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. - Serve directly in the baking dish or transfer to a platter. Pair with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy! Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken To get juicy chicken, start with even thickness. Pound the chicken breasts slightly if they are uneven. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides well with spices. Searing them on high heat creates a lovely crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; it can lower the heat. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Sautéing Vegetables to Enhance Flavors Sautéing the vegetables adds depth to the dish. Start with onions, as they take longer to cook. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant. Then add bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Stir often to avoid burning. Sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and adds great flavor. Adding Extra Spices If you love heat, add cayenne pepper or paprika to the chicken seasoning. For a smoky taste, smoked paprika works great. You can also mix in some oregano or thyme for an earthy flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Using Different Cheese Types While Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, you can try other cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while Pepper Jack brings heat. For a gourmet touch, mix in some crumbled queso fresco. Experimenting with cheese can make your dish unique every time. Styling for Serving Serve the chicken directly in the baking dish for a rustic look. For a more elegant presentation, transfer it to a stylish platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro right before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish more appealing. Accompaniments Suggestions Pair your Mexican chicken with warm tortillas or fluffy rice. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. A fresh salad with lime dressing can balance the richness of the cheese. These sides complement the main dish beautifully. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust. This seals in the juices and enhances the flavor. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to suit your taste preferences and add more color to the dish. Cheese Options: While Monterey Jack is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. {{image_4}} Chicken Alternatives You can swap chicken for turkey or even pork. These meats work well in this dish. If you prefer seafood, shrimp can also be a great choice. Just adjust the cooking times as needed. Vegetarian Version Options For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with hearty veggies. Try using zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also add tofu for extra protein. This makes a filling meal without meat. Spicy Additions If you love heat, add jalapeños or serrano peppers. Diced green chilies can also boost spice levels. For a smoky flavor, include chipotle powder or smoked paprika. Adjust the amount to your taste. Different Cheesy Combinations While Monterey Jack cheese is delicious, you can mix it up. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while pepper jack brings heat. For a creamier texture, try using cream cheese. Blend different cheeses for more depth. Casserole Bakes Serve this dish as a casserole. Layer the chicken and veggies in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly. This makes for easy serving and delicious leftovers. Tacos or Bowls You can also serve this in tacos or bowls. Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into tortillas. Top with avocado, sour cream, or salsa. This adds a fun twist and makes for a great party dish. - Refrigerating: You can store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and fresh. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours after cooking. It should last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Freezing Guidelines: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. - Best Methods for Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes. - Tips for Maintaining Flavor: To keep the flavors, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating. This helps keep the chicken juicy. You can also sprinkle a little cheese on top before reheating for a cheesy boost. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just thaw them first in the fridge overnight. This helps them cook evenly. If you cook them from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 50%. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use cheddar or pepper jack cheese. Both melt well and add great flavor. Gouda or mozzarella also work as tasty options. To add more heat, you can include chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, try using chipotle powder. Adding hot sauce to the tomato mixture also gives it a nice kick. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can season the chicken and cook the veggie mixture a day before. Just keep them in the fridge. When ready, assemble and bake. It saves time on busy nights. This guide covers all you need for a delicious chicken dish. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for cooking and storing your food. Remember, you can swap ingredients for your taste and create unique flavors. The right spices and toppings can make all the difference. Don't be afraid to get creative with variations or to adjust for leftovers. Enjoy making this dish, and have fun sharing with family and friends!

Mexican Chicken Delight with Cheesy Bliss

A flavorful baked chicken dish topped with sautéed vegetables and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup assorted bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken breasts with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden brown crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion, sautéing them until they soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Mix in the corn and black beans, combining all the ingredients well. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Prepare a baking dish by placing the seared chicken breasts inside. Using a spoon, generously top each chicken breast with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
  • Next, pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-covered.
  • To finish, evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the dish, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and has started to turn a light golden color.
  • Once baking is complete, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, Mexican