Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Blackened-Style Chicken
- Rub the boneless skinless chicken breasts with taco seasoning until evenly coated. Heat a cast iron skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until hot, then sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through to 165°F, until the surface looks deeply browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly. Slice the chicken and keep it ready for plating so juices stay in the meat.
Thick Queso Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the all-purpose flour for 1 minute until lightly bubbling and smooth. Gradually add the whole milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend and Velveeta until melted and glossy. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), jalapeño, and cumin, then simmer for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and thick, with a slow ribbon consistency.
Serve
- Plate the sliced chicken and pour the queso cheese sauce generously over the top. Let the orange sauce pool around the chicken so it coats every surface.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing at the table. Add a squeeze just before eating for bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
Pro tip: Keep the milk mixture whisked while warming so it stays smooth before adding the cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove on low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the queso. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat low and slow for best texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend and part-skim milk while keeping Velveeta for melt and thickness.
