Chicken A La Mexicale
A flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken dish with a spicy chili sauce, topped with melted cheese, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix red pepper with vegetable oil.
- Add water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in flour mixed with water; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into a baking dish.
- Place cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- In another pan, combine chopped tomatoes, diced green peppers, diced onion, chicken broth, and salt to taste.
- Cook until vegetables are very soft.
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
- Bake at 375° to 400°F until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños to the vegetable mixture. If you're out of red pepper or chili powder, smoked paprika can be a great substitute for a smoky flavor. To make this dish healthier, you can use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts. Feel free to add beans for extra protein or fiber, similar to what you might find in Enchilada Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken A La Mexicale with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A fresh salad or guacamole pairs well on the side. This dish is also great with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Chicken Green Chili Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. If the cheese has hardened, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to moisten it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken A La Mexicale contains roughly 336 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (225% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Bake the chicken in the sauce for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method infuses the chicken with more flavor.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Another alternative is to use a mixture of water and a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).