Description
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken is a family-friendly, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or casual gatherings. Tender chicken breasts are layered with sautéed peppers, onions, black beans, corn, and a rich tomato sauce, then topped with a gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Every bite is comforting, cheesy, and packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 small green bell pepper, chopped
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1 small red bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or skillet.
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Pat chicken breasts dry and drizzle with olive oil.
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Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and season the chicken evenly.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
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Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish.
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In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, and chicken broth; stir to combine.
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Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
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Pour the vegetable mixture over the chicken.
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Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
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Bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from oven and drizzle with lime juice.
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Top with fresh cilantro if desired and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
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Add ½ cup extra broth if you want a saucier dish.
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For a creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese during the simmering stage.
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Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes