Sizzling Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe That Wows

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering Mexican chicken with cheese sauce delivers pure culinary magic.

Bold flavors dance across your plate with delightful complexity.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over tender, seasoned chicken.

Spices spark excitement in every single bite.

The combination of zesty ingredients promises a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Each forkful brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Prepare to savor a dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Why This Mexican Chicken Dish Pops with Flavor

• Discover the Magic of Mexican Chicken
• Packed with a robust blend of spices and a creamy cheese sauce, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Perfect for casual dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish adapts to any dining scenario with its crowd-pleasing combination of grilled chicken and zesty cheese sauce.
• Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit different preferences, making it a flexible recipe that caters to various taste buds and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this Mexican-inspired dish.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: A complex seasoning mix that adds depth, heat, and authentic Mexican flavor to the chicken.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps create a smooth texture.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce its perfect consistency.
• Milk: Creates the liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melty richness to the sauce.
• Paprika, Cayenne: Adds warmth and subtle heat to the cheese sauce.

How to Cook Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture onto chicken breasts, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 2: Perfectly Grill The Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high temperature.

Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Remove chicken and let it rest temporarily.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce Base

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook until bubbling.

Gradually pour milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

Continue stirring until sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Transform Sauce Into Cheesy Delight

Once sauce is hot, gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until completely melted.

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Pinch of salt

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, aiming for a smooth, slightly spicy cheese sauce.

Step 5: Serve With Delicious Flair

Slice grilled chicken and generously drizzle with warm cheese sauce.

Offer additional sauce on the side for extra indulgence.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Cheesy Chicken

• Mix spices thoroughly to ensure an even, flavorful coating that penetrates every inch of the chicken for maximum taste.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear without drying out the chicken, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Whisk milk gradually and constantly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce that coats chicken beautifully.
• Add cheese slowly and stir continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce that clings perfectly to the grilled chicken.
• Replace flour with cornstarch or xanthan gum to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for low-carb diets while maintaining the sauce's creamy texture.

How to Handle Leftover Mexican Chicken

• Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze cheese sauce in a separate sealed container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing sauce with cheese to prevent texture separation.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Gently warm cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if sauce appears thick or separated. Avoid microwaving to maintain smooth texture.

Perfect Pairings for Mexican Chicken

• Elevate Mexican Spice Pairing: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy chicken and complements its bold flavors perfectly.
• Zesty Citrus Companion: Fresh lime margarita balances the cheese sauce's creaminess and enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired spice profile with bright, tangy notes.
• Cooling Salsa Side: Fresh pico de gallo provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the heavy cheese sauce, adding freshness and lightening the overall meal experience.
• Herbal Green Match: Light cilantro-cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken, cleansing the palate between each flavorful bite.

Flavorful Variations on Cheesy Chicken

• Gluten-Free Mexican Chicken: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the cheese sauce. Use gluten-free spices and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap milk with heavy cream for higher fat content. Use almond flour instead of wheat flour to reduce carbohydrates. Select full-fat cheese and maintain the protein-rich chicken base.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Create the sauce using unsweetened coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Select plant-based butter or olive oil for sauce preparation. Keep the original spice blend intact for authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Maintain the original spice rub and cheese sauce technique. Select thick-cut vegetables that can absorb the seasoning blend effectively.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this Mexican chicken recipe?

The key spices include chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. This blend creates a robust and authentic Mexican-style flavor profile for the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.

• Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Simply reheat it gently on the stove, whisking occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.

• What type of cheese works best for this sauce?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for this recipe, as it melts smoothly and provides a rich, tangy flavor. Sharp or medium cheddar both work well, depending on your taste preference.

Dreamy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican Chicken Enchiladas bring zesty comfort straight from southern kitchens, blending rich cheese sauce with tender chicken. Spicy, melted layers promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 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 Ingredients:

• 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 (do not use the bags!)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend by combining chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small mixing container. Thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture across the entire surface of chicken breasts, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment around 400°F. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F. Verify doneness using a meat thermometer by checking the thickest portion. Remove chicken and allow it to rest momentarily.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Incorporate flour and cook for approximately one minute until mixture becomes bubbly. Gradually introduce milk while continuously whisking to prevent luminal formation. Maintain constant stirring until sauce thickens, which typically requires 3-5 minutes.
4. Once sauce reaches desired consistency, gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Introduce paprika, cayenne, and a subtle salt seasoning. Taste and adjust flavor profile as needed, aiming for a smooth, mildly spicy cheese sauce with optimal pouring consistency.
5. Slice chicken and generously drizzle the prepared cheese sauce overtop. Offer additional sauce on the side for those desiring extra cheesy indulgence.

Notes

• Combine all dry spices beforehand to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor penetration into the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat, aiming for the ideal 165°F internal temperature.
• Whisk continuously when adding milk and cheese to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg