Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting yet full of bold flavors, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe hits all the right notes. I absolutely love how the smoky spices in the grilled chicken blend perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce-it s like getting a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together, this recipe always brings smiles to the table.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together a dish that tastes so indulgent without complicated steps. You’ll find that the seasoning mix makes the chicken incredibly flavorful, while the cheese sauce is rich yet balanced with a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is definitely worth adding to your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that flavorful chicken with a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. When shopping, try to get fresh spices to make the most of the seasoning blend.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking and quick grilling.
• Chili powder: Adds warmth and color, try to use fresh for better flavor.
• Garlic powder: Gives that savory depth without overpowering the other seasonings.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with subtle sweetness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat-adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Dried oregano: Classic Mexican herb that enhances the overall taste.
• Paprika: Smoky and sweet, it lends a beautiful color too.
• Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, very important for authentic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring everything together.
• Flour: For thickening the cheese sauce smoothly.
• Butter: Adds richness and a nice base for the sauce.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% for the creamiest results.
• Cayenne pepper: For just the right kick in the cheese sauce.
• Extra sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the sauce, melt it slowly for best texture.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have in the pantry or who I m cooking for. Feel free to experiment with this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe and make it your own-there s a lot of room for creativity here!

• Spice Level: When I want more heat, I add extra crushed red pepper flakes or swap cayenne for chipotle powder for a smokier kick.
• Dairy-Free: I ve tried making the cheese sauce with a cashew cream base and nutritional yeast for a vegan twist-it s surprisingly tasty!
• Vegetable Boost: Adding sautéed bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken amps up the flavor and texture in a delightful way.
• Cheese Swap: Mixing in some pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar gives the sauce a spicy twist I really enjoy.

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Start by mixing chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend evenly on both sides of your chicken breasts. I like to pat the chicken dry first-it helps the spices stick better. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the chicken about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature hits 165°F-juicy and cooked through. When I grill chicken, I always watch closely to avoid drying it out; resting the chicken a few minutes before slicing helps keep it tender.

Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute until it starts to bubble but hasn t browned. This little roux is the secret to a smooth sauce. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Heat gently until the mixture is hot but not boiling-this helps the sauce thicken nicely. Gradually whisk in shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. The heat from the cayenne balances the richness and gives it a subtle Mexican flair. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk until you hit the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Plate the grilled chicken breasts and generously spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Trust me, this is the moment it all comes together! The smoky, spicy chicken with the luscious cheese sauce is simply irresistible. Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top-the citrus cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce beautifully. Sometimes I add thinly sliced green onions or a handful of diced tomatoes to brighten the dish and give it a fresh crunch.

Side Dishes

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy Mexican rice or simple steamed white rice. My go-to sides also include sautéed black beans or a fresh avocado salad for some creamy texture contrast. You can t go wrong with warm tortillas to scoop up every bit of that cheesy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this by slicing the chicken and layering it in soft taco shells, drizzling the cheese sauce over, and topping with pickled jalapeños and shredded lettuce for a fun taco night vibe. Another time, I used ramekins to bake the cheese sauce with the chicken for a bubbly, gratin-style presentation that wowed guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them separate helps avoid the chicken getting soggy overnight. They ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

I ve frozen both the grilled chicken and cheese sauce in separate freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures intact. The cheese sauce might thicken slightly, so just stir in a bit of milk when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. The cheese sauce reheats best on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Microwave works too-just heat it in short bursts and stir often.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe has become one of my personal favorites because of how straightforward it is and yet how satisfying every bite feels. If you re looking to impress your family or just feed yourself a cozy, flavor-packed meal, give this a try-you ll appreciate the welcoming mix of spice, creaminess, and hearty chicken. Cooking it feels like a little celebration of comfort food with a vibrant twist, and I m sure it will do the same for you!

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 131 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of chili powder, garlic, onion, and cumin, then grilled to perfection. The smoky grilled chicken is topped with a creamy, spicy cheddar cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and warm spices like cayenne and paprika, creating a comforting and delicious Mexican-inspired dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure thorough flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to bubble, forming a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Heat the mixture until hot but not boiling, stirring frequently.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt according to taste, then remove the sauce from heat.
5. Serve: Pour the creamy cheese sauce generously over the grilled chicken breasts. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like plain rice or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

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Notes

• This dish pairs exceptionally well with plain rice or our Perfect Mexican Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• The cheese sauce also makes a delicious, spicy dip for tortilla chips — great for snacking or appetizers.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 120mg