Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
If you love dishes that bring vibrant flavors and comforting textures in one delicious bite, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with warm spices and paired with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that has just the right kick from green chiles. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, making it perfect for weeknights or casual dinners where you want a little fiesta on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is straightforward, which makes it easy to prepare but never short on flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spices that deliver boldness to the cheese sauce that adds a smooth, rich texture to the dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides a lean and tender protein base that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and classic Mexican flavor foundation.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Wakes up the palate with warm, earthy tones.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mild but aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a velvety base for the cheese sauce, enriching its texture.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Provides the smooth liquid to balance the cheese’s richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce for that irresistible gooeyness.
- 1/4 cup chopped green chiles: Adds a fresh and mild heat that lifts the sauce’s flavor.
- For garnish – chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes: Fresh toppings that brighten and add texture to the final presentation.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice combination infuses the chicken with a warm, layered flavor that’s iconic in Mexican cuisine. Make sure to evenly coat each piece for a consistent taste.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook them until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. This step locks in moisture and builds the foundation for the star protein of our dish.
Step 3: Preparing the Cheese Sauce Base
In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the chicken – this adds depth to your sauce. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. This roux will thicken the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Adding Milk and Cheese
Gradually whisk in the milk, being patient and continuous with your stirring to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles until everything is melted and perfectly blended into a silky cheese sauce.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Assembly
Taste your cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Pour this heavenly sauce generously over the cooked chicken breasts. Your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is now ready to be garnished and served!
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring the dish alive both visually and flavor-wise. Adding fresh chopped cilantro injects a burst of bright herbal notes, while sliced jalapeños offer an extra spicy kick for those who crave it. Diced tomatoes provide a fresh, juicy contrast that balances out the creamy sauce deliciously.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Mexican sides such as fluffy Spanish rice, zesty black beans, or even warm corn tortillas. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese sauce beautifully. Whichever you pick, the sides will round out this meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of sautéed vegetables, or use shredded chicken topped with the cheese sauce as a filling for enchiladas or burritos. You could even turn the dish into a crowd-pleasing casserole by layering chicken, sauce, and extra cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and sauce together to allow the flavors to meld. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe freezes well; just portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken with sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese provides a great melt and flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or even a Mexican blend cheese. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly for the best sauce texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate because of the chili powder and green chiles, but you can easily adjust it by adding more jalapeños or using a spicier chili powder. The creaminess of the cheese sauce also helps temper any heat, making it family-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, like the spices, are gluten-free as well.
What sides complement this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe?
Great sides include Mexican rice, refried or black beans, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh avocado salad. These options add freshness and balance to the richness of the cheese sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes, which makes it a quick and impressive meal for any day of the week. The steps are straightforward, so even less experienced cooks can have fun making it!
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, and this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a warm, cheesy celebration of bold spices and comforting textures that I promise will become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it steal the spotlight at your dinner table!
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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and topped with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce infused with green chiles. Garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes, it offers a delightful blend of classic Mexican spices and creamy cheesiness, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green chiles
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to evenly coat the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking and cooking the sauce until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Chiles: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green chiles. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Cheese Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Place the cooked chicken breasts on plates and generously pour the cheese sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes for a fresh and spicy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but using whole milk will yield a creamier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the level of heat in the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour when making the roux.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a side salad.
- Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in tacos or burritos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
