The Zesty Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe You’ll Love

Juicy Mexican chicken with cheese sauce delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Layers of melted cheese and tender meat create an irresistible combination that sparks excitement.

Spices dance across each bite, promising a culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners need something special, and this recipe answers that call.

Quick preparation meets bold flavors in a dish that feels both familiar and exotic.

Crispy edges and creamy sauce guarantee smiles around the table.

Craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from south of the border?

Dive in and savor every delicious moment.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Essentials

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired seasonings like paprika, chili powder, and cumin that transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.
• Cheesy Comfort Creation: Indulgent cheese sauce turns this dish into a creamy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cheese lovers.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that saves time and reduces kitchen mess, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.

Ingredients For Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce

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

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and traditional Mexican flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a fresh and tangy element to the cheese sauce.

• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a bright, fresh herb note that complements the rich cheese sauce.

• Rice, Tortillas, Vegetables: Ideal accompaniments that complete the meal and provide additional texture and nutrition.

How To Cook Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Cheese Sauce Base

In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and create a smooth foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese to Creamy Goodness

Gradually stir in shredded cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy. For an extra burst of flavor, fold in diced tomatoes.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, generously coating each piece with the decadent cheese sauce. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly warmed and covered in the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, warm tortillas, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Tips For Flavorful Mexican Chicken Dish

• Select bone-in chicken breasts for extra juiciness and flavor during cooking.
• Sprinkle spices evenly on chicken to ensure balanced seasoning in every bite.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother, more authentic cheese sauce.
• Control heat carefully when simmering sauce to prevent cream from separating or burning.
• Add a splash of lime juice at the end for brightness and to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce.

Alternative Versions Of Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of heat and authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish protein-rich.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute chili powder with oregano and add feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken preparation.

Best Sides To Serve With Mexican Chicken

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Serve the spicy chicken over a bed of Mexican rice, drizzling the creamy cheese sauce generously for a vibrant, colorful meal that pops with flavor.
• Southwestern Taco Twist: Slice the chicken, pile into warm tortillas, top with extra cheese sauce, fresh salsa, and cilantro for a handheld dinner packed with zesty goodness.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a low-carb option by placing chicken and cheese sauce over mixed greens, adding diced avocado, and sprinkling with extra cilantro for a fresh, nutritious approach.
• Cheesy Chicken Nachos: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, layer over crispy tortilla chips, pour cheese sauce on top, and add jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.

How To Store Mexican Chicken Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover Mexican chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken and cheese sauce into different containers to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and lose its creamy consistency when thawed.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from breaking.
• Stir the sauce continuously while reheating to help it recombine smoothly.
• Microwave as a quick alternative, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top when reheating to refresh the flavor and improve the sauce's appearance.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the shredded cheese with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for similar creamy results.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is mild due to the blend of chili powder and cumin. You can adjust heat by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories and fat content.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and cheese sauce separately, store in refrigerator, and reheat together just before serving for best taste and texture.

Creamy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables. Melted queso and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken breasts.
2. Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, pour chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and incorporate the flavorful pan drippings for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk shredded cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a velvety smooth sauce with rich, tangy undertones.
5. Enhance the sauce by gently folding in diced tomatoes, which add bright acidity and fresh texture.
6. Carefully reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious cheese sauce.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh cilantro over the top, adding a vibrant herbal note and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, warm tortillas, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for a spicier or milder sauce profile.
• Allow the cheese sauce to thicken naturally without over-stirring, which can cause separation and grainy texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg