Zesty Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe – A Fiesta of Flavor

Sizzling aromas of spices and melted cheese waft through the kitchen with this Mexican chicken with cheese sauce that promises a culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a blanket of rich, creamy goodness that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors that transport you straight to a bustling street in Mexico.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that’s both comforting and bold.

Colorful and inviting, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into a celebration of Mexican cuisine.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with a meal that speaks directly to the heart of home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 5

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce: What to Buy

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein foundation that creates a tender, juicy main dish with robust Mexican flavors.
• Chili Powder: Adds warm, smoky depth and authentic southwestern kick to the chicken.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides traditional Mexican culinary complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated aromatic essence without raw garlic texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other seasonings.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for creating creamy sauce texture.
• Flour: Creates silky thickening agent for developing consistent sauce structure.
• Milk: Delivers liquid smoothness and helps develop sauce's creamy consistency.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates luxurious sauce with tangy undertones.
• Green Chiles: Introduces subtle heat and bright, fresh pepper flavor to sauce.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, zesty Mexican-inspired finishing note.
• Jalapeños: Provides optional spicy kick for heat-loving diners.
• Tomatoes: Adds fresh, juicy color and light acidic balance to rich dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve perfect chicken browning and prevents sticking.

Must-Have Tools for This Creamy Dish

• Skillet: Large, sturdy pan for cooking chicken and preparing cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending flour, milk, and creating smooth cheese sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cilantro, jalapeños, and tomatoes.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable chopping and garnish preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurement of spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring sauce and preventing sticking.
• Serving plate: Clean dish for presenting the final Mexican chicken dish.

Cooking Mexican Chicken with Bold Flavor

• Spice Preparation

Gather your favorite Mexican-inspired spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Sprinkle these generously over chicken breasts to create a vibrant flavor profile that will wake up your taste buds.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil until it’s dancing hot. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the pan, letting it develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Cook each side until the meat is tender and fully cooked, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

• Creamy Cheese Magic

In the same skillet, transform butter and flour into a silky base. Slowly introduce milk, whisking until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth. Fold in sharp cheddar and zesty green chiles, stirring until the sauce becomes a velvety dream that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Final Flourish

Arrange the juicy chicken on a beautiful plate. Cascade the molten cheese sauce over the top, creating an irresistible cascade of flavor. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, fiery jalapeño slices, and bright red tomato chunks for a pop of color and extra excitement.

Enhancing the Cheese Sauce with Extras

• Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper Mexican-inspired spices and enhance overall taste profile.
• Adjust chili powder and jalapeños according to personal heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably without overwhelming spiciness.
• Swap regular cheddar with low-fat cheese, use Greek yogurt instead of milk, or grill chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce total calories and fat content.
• Sprinkle toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch, transforming the dish from simple to gourmet with minimal extra effort.
• Serve chicken and cheese sauce over rice, wrap in warm tortillas, or slice and use as a filling for enchiladas, creating multiple meal variations from one basic recipe.

Ways to Present Mexican Chicken Beautifully

• Pair with Fresh Accompaniments: Serve alongside warm Mexican rice or cilantro-lime quinoa to complement the rich cheese sauce and spiced chicken. The grains will soak up the delicious sauce while adding extra texture to the meal.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Top the chicken with additional fresh elements like diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These bright garnishes will enhance the visual appeal and add cool, creamy layers to the spicy dish.
• Wrap for Easy Enjoyment: Transform leftovers into delicious soft tortilla wraps by shredding the chicken and mixing with the cheese sauce. Add crisp lettuce and extra jalapeños for a quick lunch or dinner option that brings new life to the original recipe.
• Perfect Party Presentation: Serve family-style on a large platter with extra cheese sauce in a side bowl. Guests can customize their portions and enjoy the interactive dining experience with multiple toppings and garnishes.

Meal Prep Tips for Extra Mexican Chicken

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover Mexican chicken with cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions of chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to the cheese sauce while stirring to restore its creamy consistency. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken just before serving to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.

Cheesy Mexican Chicken Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken with cheese sauce offers a delightful culinary journey through authentic flavors. Creamy sauce and tender chicken combine to create a mouthwatering meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (75 g) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup (4 g) chopped cilantro
• 2 sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a fragrant spice mixture for chicken breasts.
2. Skillet Heating: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal cooking surface with even temperature distribution.
3. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the prepared spice blend, pressing gently to ensure maximum flavor adherence.
4. Chicken Cooking: Sear chicken in the hot skillet, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, about 6-9 minutes per side until reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Sauce Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and create a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until perfectly blended.
6. Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate whole milk, stirring continuously to create a silky, lump-free base, then introduce shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles.
7. Final Preparation: Simmer sauce until smooth and heated through, adjusting seasoning as needed, then pour generously over cooked chicken.
8. Garnishing: Embellish with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, and diced ripe tomatoes to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Spice Mastery: Press seasonings firmly into chicken to ensure maximum flavor penetration and even coating.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to create a smooth base for the cheese sauce, preventing any unwelcome lumps.
• Cheese Sauce Secrets: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky, creamy texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 132 mg