“`html
If you crave a comforting yet vibrant dinner, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a punch of southwestern spices. Tender chicken breasts are coated in warm chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then smothered in a luscious cheese sauce studded with green chilies. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that brings the heart of Mexican-American cooking right to your table, perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is straightforward and pantry-friendly, with each ingredient playing a key role in building bold flavor and smooth texture.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create a golden crispy sear on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds smoky warmth that’s essential to the dish’s identity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings the nutty, earthy notes typical of Mexican-inspired foods.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle, mild heat and deep color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfect silky texture.
- 1 cup milk: The creamy liquid that transforms flour and butter into a luscious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for irresistible creaminess.
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned): Adds a mild tangy heat that livens up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Offers bright herbal freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While it warms, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then evenly coat the chicken breasts with this flavorful blend. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside so you can prepare the sauce in the same pan.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute, giving it time to take on a light golden hue without burning. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a smooth and creamy consistency. Then fold in the shredded cheese and diced green chilies, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is silky.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rich cheese sauce. Spoon extra sauce over each piece to coat generously. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and chicken reheats through. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of green color and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic choice for garnishing this dish, adding brightness to the creamy richness. You might also consider a squeeze of lime juice for zesty contrast or finely diced tomatoes for added texture and color. A few sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the heat and creaminess factors if you like a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe shines when paired with fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up every bit of that luscious cheese sauce. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn on the cob add freshness and balance out the richness. For a low-carb option, a crisp green salad or cauliflower rice works beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this sultry chicken nestled over rice and drizzled with extra cheese sauce for a homestyle vibe. Or, turn it into a loaded taco night by slicing the chicken and offering an array of toppings alongside tortillas. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for enchiladas or plant it atop nachos with jalapeños and olives for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Remember to cool completely before sealing. When thawed, the texture may soften slightly but it remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and cheese sauce over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or water can revive the sauce’s creaminess if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese works beautifully, you can experiment with pepper jack for more heat or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier texture. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best sauce consistency.
Is this dish spicy?
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe offers mild to moderate heat thanks to the chili powder and green chilies, which are typically mild. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or swapping in spicy cheese varieties.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve this with if I want a lighter meal?
Consider pairing the chicken with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted cauliflower for a lighter option. Using low-fat milk and less cheese in the sauce can also reduce some richness without sacrificing flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely. The simple ingredients and stovetop method scale up nicely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure the chicken sears well and the sauce thickens perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I want a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels special without hours in the kitchen. The creamy cheese sauce combined with the vibrant spices makes for a comforting dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal twists!
“`
Print
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with classic Mexican spices and topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from melted Mexican blend cheese and diced green chilies. Perfect for a quick stovetop meal, this recipe combines rich textures and vibrant flavors, making it a delicious family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture turns lightly golden, forming a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Chilies: Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and diced green chilies, continuing to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce generously over the top of each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the chicken for a burst of fresh flavor and color before serving.
Notes
- Serve this dish with rice, warm tortillas, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the individual spices with taco seasoning for convenience.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend to add a spicy kick to the sauce.
