If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner idea, look no further than Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. This dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be on your table in just 35 minutes. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
This recipe brings together bold Mexican spices and the rich creaminess of cheese sauce in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and other spices that give it a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. The cheese sauce, made from scratch, is velvety smooth and perfectly complements the chicken.
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also versatile. Serve it over rice, pair it with a side of beans, or enjoy it as is. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better after sitting for a day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, you’ll need two main components: the chicken and the cheese sauce.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded – avoid pre-shredded cheese for best results)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by mixing all the spices for the chicken in a small bowl—chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken on the pan and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 6–8 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two until it starts to bubble around the edges. Slowly add in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture.
Continue heating the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling (you can test this by dipping your finger—it should feel hot but not scalding). Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small amounts, whisking after each addition until fully melted and incorporated. Once the cheese is melted, stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust with salt if necessary.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Pour the hot cheese sauce generously over the grilled chicken breasts. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Perfect Mexican Rice: The cheesy sauce complements the flavors of Mexican rice beautifully. Use your favorite recipe or try one that includes tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro for an authentic touch.
- Tortilla Chips: The cheese sauce doubles as an amazing dip for chips! Serve some on the side for extra crunch.
- Vegetables: Add a side of sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita-style flair.
- Beans: Refried beans or black beans make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best cheese sauce texture, shred your cheddar fresh from a block.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking it. This will keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce and crushed red pepper flakes in the chicken seasoning. Conversely, if you love spice, feel free to add more!
Nutrition Information
Here’s what you can expect per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 546
- Total Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 178mg
- Sodium: 1744mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 54g
Final Thoughts
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a dish that delivers big on flavor while being easy to prepare. The combination of smoky spices and creamy cheese sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
So why not give it a try tonight? You’ll be savoring every bite of this delicious creation in no time!
PrintMexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Mexican spiced chicken topped with a creamy cheese sauce makes this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce delicious any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (do not use pre-shredded bags)
Instructions
Mix together your seasonings and season both sides of the chicken breasts well.
Heat a grill pan over medium to high heat, and grill your chicken until done (internal temperature of 165°F).
Set aside.
Cheese Sauce:
In a medium-sized sauce pot, melt your butter over medium heat.
Whisk in your flour and cook until it begins to just bubble around the edges.
Add in the milk slowly, whisking to combine as you go.
Continue to whisk until your mixture is heated through.
You’ll want to check the temperature (using your finger or a thermometer). It should be hot enough to melt the cheese but not boiling.
When the mix is hot, start whisking in your cheese in small amounts at a time until all of the cheese has been mixed in.
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper. Season with salt if needed. Serve hot over the chicken.
Notes
This dish is great on top of plain rice or alone. However, it is best served with our Perfect Mexican Rice.
This cheese sauce is also very good as a cheese dip for your chips!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 546 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1744mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 178mg
