Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
If ever there was a dish to wow a hungry crowd (or simply treat yourself on a cozy night in), it has to be Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. This vibrant meal combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts hot off the grill pan with a creamy, smoky cheddar sauce that cloaks every bite in melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s a recipe that manages to be comforting, exciting, and endlessly versatile all at once—a guaranteed favorite whether you’re serving guests or jazzing up your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a delicious purpose, bringing together the flavors, textures, and color that make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce unforgettable. These are staple items made special by technique, so grab them fresh and let their quality shine!
- Flour: Forms the base of the silky cheese sauce, thickening it without making it heavy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps unlock the flavors in the roux and sauce.
- Milk: The creamy backbone that brings everything together, opt for whole for best texture.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both sauce and chicken, highlighting all the other flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a gentle undercurrent of heat, easily adjustable to your taste.
- Paprika: Offers a lovely color and subtle smokiness, used both for the chicken rub and sauce.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Creates a gooey, flavorful sauce—always shred your own for best melt and taste.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the spice rub and cheese sauce.
- Chili Powder: Forms part of the robust, earthy spice blend for the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and complexity to the chicken seasoning.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the spice mix with subtle sweetness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Kicks up the heat just enough to make things interesting.
- Dried Oregano: Offers a fresh herbal note that balances out the spices.
- Ground Cumin: Delivers an unmistakable warmth and earthiness that makes Mexican dishes shine.
- Black Pepper: For a bit of bite in each mouthful.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Spice Rub
Start by mixing together all the seasonings for your chicken—chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This aromatic blend not only coats the meat but also infuses every bite with authentic Mexican flavor. Make sure to pat your chicken dry first, so the rub really clings.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously sprinkle your mixed spices on both sides of each chicken breast, pressing it in with your hands. Don’t skimp! The more evenly you coat the chicken, the deeper the flavor you’ll get in your final Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the sauce.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat—the sizzle when the chicken hits the pan is music to the ears! Grill each breast until beautifully browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Depending on thickness, this takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side. When done, set the chicken aside to rest, locking in all those juices.
Step 4: Make a Smooth Roux
In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, melt the butter until frothy, then whisk in your flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until it just begins to bubble around the edges but hasn’t browned—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures your cheese sauce for the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce will be perfectly creamy.
Step 5: Build the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in your milk, whisking the whole time to keep things lump-free. Continue whisking until the sauce is nice and hot (but not boiling)—it should be steaming and just at the edge of bubbling. At this stage, whisk in the shredded cheddar a little at a time. The gradual addition ensures the cheese melts smoothly and delivers that signature velvety finish.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Once the cheese has completely melted and your sauce is luscious and thick, stir in the last bit of paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch more salt if needed. Taste for seasoning—you want a balance of spice, creaminess, and salt. To serve, spoon the hot cheese sauce over your grilled chicken and watch it transform into the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce of your dreams!
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Garnishes
Top your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce with a flurry of chopped fresh cilantro, extra red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of Mexican crema. For a burst of brightness, scatter on some thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime, right before serving—the colors make for a showstopping presentation and an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a mound of fluffy Spanish rice, cooling black beans, or warm tortillas for soaking up every drop of that incredible cheese sauce. For extra color and crunch, a crisp green salad or elote-style corn on the cob completes the meal and gives your plate irresistible variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the playful spirit by serving your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce over a bed of tostada chips for a Mexican-inspired twist on nachos. Or, slice the chicken and tuck it into soft taco shells, spooning the cheese sauce over the top. For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken for sharing platters and letting guests build their own plates with toppings and sides galore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to three days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible for easiest reheating, but don’t worry if they’re packed together—just reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts for future quick meals, but cheese sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. If you want to freeze extra sauce, cool it completely, then whisk it again after reheating for the smoothest results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep it juicy. Warm the cheese sauce over low heat, whisking frequently until smooth and hot—if it’s very thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. Assemble and serve when piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for this dish?
Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and a classic melt, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist on your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute your favorite plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to make a dairy-free version. The method remains the same—just be sure to select a cheese substitute that melts well for the creamiest sauce.
What’s the difference between using chicken breast and chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts are lean and quick to cook, perfect for a lighter meal. If you prefer juicier, richer meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and work beautifully in this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking to restore its creamy texture. Add a splash more milk if needed to loosen it up.
Do I have to grill the chicken?
Grilling adds a smoky flavor and gorgeous char marks, but you can also sear the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven if that’s easier. Both methods deliver wonderful results—just ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving it with your cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant flavors and luscious texture, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is pure dinner joy—whether you want to shake up your meal rotation or share something truly special with family and friends. Give it a try, get creative with your sides and garnishes, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy, crowd-pleasing bite!
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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe combines tender grilled chicken breasts with a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, seasoned with a blend of flavorful spices. The result is a satisfying dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
- Season the Chicken: Mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium to high heat. Grill the seasoned chicken breasts until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until bubbling. Slowly add milk while whisking. Heat until just hot enough to melt cheese, without boiling. Whisk in cheddar cheese gradually until fully melted. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce over the grilled chicken breasts and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Mexican Chicken, Cheese Sauce, Grilled Chicken, Cheddar Cheese Sauce
