Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

When you’re craving bold, flavorful comfort food, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce hits all the right notes. It combines tender, spiced chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Full of Flavor: The perfect blend of Mexican spices and creamy cheese sauce makes every bite irresistible.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s great for cooks of all skill levels.
3. Versatile: Serve it over rice, inside tacos, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
4. Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness appeals to kids and adults alike!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken
   • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of each chicken breast.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Start the Roux
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
2. Add Liquid
   • Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Incorporate Cheese
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese, cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Assemble the Dish
   • Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet or onto a serving platter.
   • Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the chicken.
2. Add Toppings
   • Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or your favorite toppings.
3. Serve Hot
   • Pair with rice, tortillas, black beans, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Cheese
   • Shred your own cheese for the sauce to ensure smooth melting and better flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
   • Keep an eye on the internal temperature to prevent dry chicken. Using a meat thermometer helps.
3. Customize the Spice Level
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
4. Prep Ahead
   • Cook the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

Variations

1. Spicy Mexican Chicken
   • Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cheese sauce for smoky heat.
2. Vegetable Additions
   • Toss in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a more robust dish.
3. Low-Carb Option
   • Serve the chicken with cheese sauce over cauliflower rice or roasted veggies instead of traditional sides.
4. Casserole Style
   • Layer the cooked chicken and cheese sauce in a baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and broil until bubbly.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze the cooked chicken and cheese sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Warm the cheese sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to maintain a creamy texture.

Pairing Suggestions

1. Side Dishes
   • Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp corn salad.
2. Beverages
   • A margarita, cold cerveza, or lime-infused sparkling water.
3. Desserts
   • Churros with chocolate sauce or tres leches cake to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe.
2. What type of cheese works best?
   • A Mexican cheese blend (Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla) melts beautifully, but you can use just cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicier flavor.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower, tofu, or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is an irresistible fusion of bold flavors and creamy comfort. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up your weekly meal rotation. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s bound to become a new favorite.

Enjoy every bite of this rich, satisfying recipe!

Yield: 4

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Print

When you're craving bold, flavorful comfort food, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce hits all the right notes. It combines tender, spiced chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
   Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
   
2. Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
   Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
   Season with salt to taste.
   
3. Step 3: Serve
   Pour the warm cheese sauce over the baked chicken breasts.
   Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Make It Spicier: Use pepper jack cheese or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Add Veggies: Serve the chicken with a side of sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita-inspired twist.
• Pairings: This dish goes great with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.