Zesty Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavor

Crafting a mouthwatering Mexican chicken with cheese sauce promises pure culinary delight.

Creamy, melted cheese blankets tender chicken in a symphony of flavor.

Authentic spices dance across each bite, creating an irresistible combination.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together quickly.

Regional ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Comfort meets excitement in this crowd-pleasing recipe that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this classic comfort meal.

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Highlights

• Whip Up Flavor Explosion: This Mexican chicken recipe packs a punch with bold spices like chili powder and cumin, creating a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a fiesta of taste.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by cooking everything in a single pan, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable ingredients allow easy personalization, letting you adjust spice levels or add extra toppings like jalapeños or avocado to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Surprisingly simple technique creates a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes sophisticated, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with minimal culinary expertise required.

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

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

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A robust spice mixture that adds depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Butter: Provides a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth and creamy liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a luxurious and creamy sauce that coats the chicken.

• Diced Tomatoes, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and additional flavor to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and drizzle olive oil across the surface, creating a shimmering cooking base.

Step 2: Spice the Chicken

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

Massage the spices into the meat, ensuring full coverage.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Cook chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, aiming for a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

Once done, transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it transforms into a silky liquid.

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Gradually introduce shredded cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, lavishly coating them with the luscious cheese sauce.

Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro on top.

Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is warm and inviting.

Helpful Tips for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Use room temperature cheese and add gradually while stirring to prevent clumping and ensure a silky smooth sauce.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result, or try turkey breast for a leaner alternative.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and lock in maximum flavor during cooking.
• Skip diced tomatoes and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.

Flavor Variations for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Replace chicken with zucchini slices, using same spice blend and cheese sauce for a vegetable-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use cashew cheese or nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese to increase heat level, creating a more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap chili powder with oregano and thyme, use feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Serve alongside fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal bursting with flavor.
• Southwestern Side Kick: Add black beans and corn salsa to complement the creamy cheese sauce and spiced chicken.
• Fresh Finish: Top with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime for bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the rich sauce.
• Texture Boost: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for an extra crunch that elevates the dish's texture.

Storage Advice for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality.
• Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely warm.

FAQs

• What spices give this Mexican chicken its distinctive flavor?

The chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder create a bold, authentic Mexican-style seasoning that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for a similar creamy and flavorful result while maintaining the dish’s traditional profile.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder used in the seasoning.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican chicken with cheese sauce blends zesty spices and creamy textures from traditional Mexican cuisine. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup heavy cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface.
2. Create a robust spice blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating each chicken breast.
3. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a waiting plate.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a flavorful base.
5. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, letting the mixture gently simmer and develop a rich consistency for 2-3 minutes.
6. Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, uniform cheese sauce without lumps.
7. Reintroduce chicken breasts to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the luxurious cheese sauce and allowing flavors to meld for an additional 3-4 minutes.
8. Optional: Enhance presentation by scattering fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro over the chicken before serving hot.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder quantity for heat-sensitive palates or reducing for milder flavor profiles.
• Choose low-fat cheese and milk alternatives to create a lighter version of the cheese sauce for health-conscious individuals.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum spice absorption and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior during searing.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 446 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg