Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a comforting, flavor-packed dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a Tex-Mex twist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings and pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or steamed vegetables.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)olive oilground cuminchili powdergarlic powderonion powdersaltblack peppercheddar cheese (shredded)Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)cream cheesemilk or heavy creamcanned green chilies (optional for extra flavor)fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
directions
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season both sides with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add cream cheese and milk (or heavy cream). Stir until melted and smooth.
Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy.
Mix in canned green chilies if using.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over each piece.
Simmer for a few minutes to warm through and allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add cooked bacon bits to the cheese sauce for a smoky twist.
Top with sliced jalapeños for added heat.
Use pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier cheese blend.
Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier texture.
Serve over pasta for a creamy Tex-Mex pasta dish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often.Add a splash of milk if the cheese sauce thickens too much when reheated.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply heat it in the sauce until warmed through.
What type of cheese melts best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices for smooth, flavorful melting.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely, add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Thaw and reheat slowly to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Can I use low-fat cheese or milk?
Yes, but the sauce may be less creamy and rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.
Is this keto-friendly?
It can be! Skip the flour or starches and serve with low-carb sides.
Conclusion
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a rich and savory dish that delivers bold flavors with every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort meal for your family. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying, cheesy delight with a Mexican flair.
Print
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful and creamy Mexican-inspired chicken dish topped with a rich cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add cayenne pepper if using.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the baked chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time; just heat and top with cheese sauce.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- This dish pairs well with Mexican rice or refried beans.