Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that promises to bring the vibrant flavors of the Southwest straight to your dinner table – Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce. Picture succulent pan-seared chicken smothered in a luxurious cheddar sauce boasting a harmonious blend of spices, all coming together to create a dish that is as comforting as it is scrumptious.

Indulge in the goodness of this Mexican-inspired creation that is perfect for those nights when you crave a bold flavor experience without the hassle of intricate ingredients. The magic truly lies in the velvety cheddar sauce that envelops the chicken with a tangy sharpness, making every bite a joyous celebration of cheesy goodness that will leave you yearning for more.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes to elevate the dish even further. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delectable meal, and get ready to savor a taste of Tex Mex heaven in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Provides a comforting and indulgent meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
• Melty sharp cheddar cheese adds a craveable tang that kids and adults love
• Versatile dish with options to customize spice levels, cheese choices, and serving variations
• Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Bold Mexican Flavors: This recipe packs a punch with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, delivering a burst of authentic Mexican taste in every bite.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce: The velvety cheddar cheese sauce blankets the juicy chicken, offering a rich and comforting element that is sure to satisfy.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Children love the cheesy goodness of this dish, with the cheddar creating cheese smiles and making cleanup fun.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy days, this recipe is quick to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it a go-to for a satisfying weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients like boneless chicken thighs or different types of cheese to tailor the recipe to your preferences and enhance the flavors.
• Leftovers Perfection: Keep leftovers for up to three days and reheat with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture, ensuring delicious meals even on the go.
• Tex Mex Twist: Inspired by Tex Mex traditions, this dish offers a fusion of flavors that will transport you to your favorite Southwestern restaurant.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the chicken and cheese sauce over rice, in a burrito, or with sautéed vegetables, offering a variety of ways to savor the delectable flavors.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

Chicken

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120 grams shredded cheddar cheese
• 240 ml whole milk
• 60 grams chopped green chiles

Garnish

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced fresh jalapeños
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Pro Tips for Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

For a flavorful twist, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They offer more tenderness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall dish. Additionally, experiment with different types of cheese such as Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for a unique variation on the classic cheddar sauce.

To keep the cheese sauce creamy when reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk while warming it up on the stove or in the microwave. This will help maintain the velvety texture of the sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken breasts to ensure they stay juicy and tender – cook until just done and allow them to rest before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season Chicken

Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook chicken breasts for 7–8 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles. Stir constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Place cooked chicken breasts on a serving plate. Drizzle with cheese sauce and top with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the dish within three days to ensure freshness and taste. When reheating, do so slowly either on the stove or in the microwave using short bursts to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy. If the sauce thickens during reheating, simply add a splash of milk to help restore its creamy texture.

For variations on the dish, consider using boneless chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness, or experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. To adjust the heat level, sprinkle in some cayenne powder or incorporate fresh poblano peppers instead of green chiles. Serve the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce over warm rice, inside a flour tortilla for a burrito, or alongside sautéed peppers and onions for a full Tex Mex meal. Top the dish with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness that complements the cheesy flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. You could also try using shredded cooked pork or beef as a tasty alternative.

For the cheese sauce, if you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile. Be mindful of the cheese’s melting properties, as freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese due to the absence of added starches.

To add more heat to the dish, increase the amount of chili powder in the seasoning or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the sauce and garnish. You can also experiment with other spicy peppers like serrano or habanero for a different level of heat.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, try serving it as a cheesy loaded nachos dish! Simply layer crispy tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon the chicken and cheese sauce over the top, then add toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Pop it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and melted, then serve with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole on the side for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.

Another creative serving idea for this dish is to use it as a filling for enchiladas. Roll the chicken and cheese sauce mixture inside corn tortillas, place them in a baking dish, top with extra sauce and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a delicious and satisfying dinner that is sure to impress your family and friends.

FAQs for Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for more flavor and tenderness in this recipe.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat it over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within three days. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.

Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of freshly shredded?

Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch. Watch out for added starches in pre-shredded cheese, as they may affect the texture of the sauce.

Conclusion

I hope this Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce recipe becomes a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with flavorful chicken is sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces, making dinnertime that much more special. The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences, so feel free to get creative with it!

Remember, the key to a successful Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce is to cook the chicken just right and to use quality ingredients like freshly shredded cheddar. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in a burrito, or alongside sautéed veggies, this dish is a delicious homage to Tex Mex flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, give it a try and indulge in the comforting goodness of this Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce recipe!

Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe

“Juicy chicken smothered in velvety cheddar cheese sauce with a bold Mexican twist, perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Chicken

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120 grams shredded cheddar cheese
• 240 ml whole milk
• 60 grams chopped green chiles

Garnish

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced fresh jalapeños
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook chicken breasts for 7–8 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Finish Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles. Stir constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Garnish: Place cooked chicken breasts on a serving plate. Drizzle with cheese sauce and top with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes before serving.