Flavorful Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a delectable mexican chicken with cheese sauce always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Flavors dance together, creating a mouthwatering symphony of comfort and warmth.

Layers of rich, melted cheese complement tender chicken pieces beautifully.

Spices weave through each bite, promising an authentic culinary experience.

Quick and simple ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Friends and hungry guests will appreciate the creamy, zesty combination.

You’ll want seconds before the first plate is even empty.

Why Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Is So Flavorful

• Spice Up Your Meal: Transform ordinary chicken into a zesty Mexican-inspired feast that bursts with flavor and comfort.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and toppings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe perfectly adaptable for everyone.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality dinner in less than an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Impress guests or satisfy hungry family members with a protein-packed dish that combines cheesy goodness and bold Mexican-inspired seasonings.

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that absorbs the bold Mexican-inspired spices and serves as the primary protein in this dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of warm and zesty spices that create a rich and complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cheese sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and stabilize the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and silky texture for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy flavor that melts into a luscious sauce.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild, slightly spicy kick to the cheese sauce.

• Cilantro, Jalapenos, Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients that provide color, heat, and brightness to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Create a flavor explosion by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, ensuring each side develops a delicious caramelized exterior. This process takes about 7-8 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Chopped green chiles

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes

Step 4: Savor and Enjoy

Dive into this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that balances spicy seasonings with rich, creamy cheese sauce. Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.

Pro Tips for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Toast spices in the skillet before seasoning to intensify their aroma and depth of flavor.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust milk quantity gradually to achieve your preferred cheese sauce consistency, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace chicken breasts with thighs, turkey, or white fish for variety without changing the core recipe technique.
• Lighten the Dish: Use low-fat cheese and milk alternatives to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining delicious taste profile.
• Elevate Presentation: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro and add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish's appearance and flavor.

Variation Ideas for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, seasoned with the same Mexican spices for a plant-based alternative that maintains the dish's bold flavors.
• Low-Carb Cheese Sauce Variation: Substitute flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to create a gluten-free, keto-friendly cheese sauce that's creamy and smooth.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cheese mixture for an extra smoky, intense heat that elevates the traditional Mexican chicken recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew cream or coconut milk with nutritional yeast to create a creamy, allergen-friendly sauce that mimics the rich cheese texture while keeping the dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich cheese sauce and complement the spicy chicken seasonings.
• Enhance with Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice: Create a vibrant side dish using fluffy white rice mixed with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to balance the creamy cheese and spiced chicken flavors.
• Match with Fresh Avocado Salsa: Prepare a bright salsa featuring diced avocados, red onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to add freshness and contrast to the hearty main dish.

Storage Advice for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Warm chicken in microwave at 50% power to prevent drying, checking every 30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Gently reheat sauce in microwave or stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to restore smooth consistency if sauce appears separated or thick.

FAQs for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• How spicy is this Mexican Chicken recipe?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the chili powder and optional jalapenos. You can adjust the heat by reducing or adding more chili powder or jalapenos to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• What type of cheese works best for the sauce?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for similar creamy and tangy results. The key is using a cheese that melts smoothly.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce brings zesty southwestern flavors to your dinner table. Creamy, spicy layers combine with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) chopped green chiles
• Salt
• Pepper

Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to generously coat chicken breasts.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet at medium temperature, carefully searing chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes per side.
3. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for the upcoming cheese sauce.
4. Reduce skillet heat and melt butter, creating a smooth base by whisking in flour until no lumps remain.
5. Gradually incorporate milk, continuously whisking to develop a luxurious, velvety sauce that thickens smoothly.
6. Lower heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese and zesty green chiles, stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce reaches a silky consistency.
7. Season cheese sauce with additional salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Arrange cooked chicken on serving plates, generously cascading the warm cheese sauce over each piece.
9. Elevate presentation by garnishing with vibrant chopped cilantro, spicy sliced jalapenos, and fresh diced tomatoes.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious blend of spicy chicken and creamy cheese sauce.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder and adding jalapeños to suit personal heat preferences.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variations.
• Use low-fat cheese and milk alternatives to create a lighter, healthier version of the cheese sauce.
• Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and even distribution of internal moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg