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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
