Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe: A Zesty Fiesta

Juicy Mexican chicken with cheese sauce bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your plate.

Peppers, spices, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering melody of taste sensations.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises satisfaction.

Comfort meets excitement through carefully selected seasonings and techniques.

Rich, creamy textures invite you to savor each delectable bite.

Layers of bold ingredients promise a culinary adventure that will surprise and delight.

Dive into this recipe and unlock a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be discovered.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Overview

• Simplify Dinner Prep: One-pan magic transforms basic ingredients into a hearty meal with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Creamy, cheesy casserole creates an irresistible dish that appeals to kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal active preparation allows you to mix ingredients quickly, then let the oven do the hard work while you relax or handle other tasks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the base of this Mexican-inspired dish.

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

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking the chicken and creating a smooth cooking surface.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A rich and creamy liquid combination that creates the foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty and flavorful ingredient that transforms the sauce into a luxurious cheese coating.

• Diced Tomatoes, Jalapenos: Fresh ingredients that can add extra heat and brightness to the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro: A vibrant herb that provides a fresh and aromatic finishing touch to the Mexican chicken.

How To Prepare Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets coated with the zesty seasoning.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 6-8 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Luscious Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Gradually add shredded cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped jalapenos

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the luxurious cheese sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish. Plate immediately while the sauce is hot and the chicken is steaming.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality Mexican chicken right at home!

Helpful Kitchen Notes For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy result.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the cheese sauce for a bright, zesty kick that complements the Mexican-inspired spices.
• Rest the chicken for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Creative Alternatives For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder for a smokier, more intense flavor profile. Add diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet for extra texture and color.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Melt: Swap heavy cream with ranch dressing and use pepper jack cheese for a tangy, zesty version. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch.
• Green Chile Fiesta: Incorporate roasted green chiles into the cheese sauce. Use queso fresco instead of regular shredded cheese and top with sliced green onions for a bright, fresh finish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Season chicken with oregano and paprika. Create a sauce using feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Dishes That Pair With Mexican Chicken And Cheese Sauce

• Serve the sizzling chicken over a bed of warm cilantro-lime rice, creating a colorful Mexican-inspired dish that bursts with flavor and texture.
• Slice the cheesy chicken and arrange over crispy tortilla chips, topped with fresh salsa, sour cream, and extra cilantro for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or casual meal.
• Roll the chicken in soft flour tortillas, cover with the rich cheese sauce, and bake until golden for a delightful enchilada-style variation that brings comfort and zest to the table.

Storing Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Properly

• Store leftover Mexican chicken with cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer the chicken and cheese sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly in a skillet or microwave. Add extra cheese or broth if the sauce appears too thick, restoring its creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a similar creamy result.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin, but you can adjust heat by adding more jalapenos or using spicier seasonings.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings bold flavors from authentic Mexican kitchens. Creamy melted cheese and tender spiced chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mixture for the chicken breasts.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet at medium heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken and cook approximately 6-8 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, pour heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking gently to create a smooth liquid base.
4. Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, stirring consistently until achieving a silky, uniform cheese sauce with rich consistency.
5. Consider enhancing sauce complexity by adding diced tomatoes or chopped jalapenos for additional depth and subtle heat.
6. Gently reintroduce cooked chicken into the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the warm, velvety cheese sauce.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the dish for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, juicy meat that absorbs spices more effectively.
• Create a low-carb version by using full-fat cream cheese instead of shredded cheese for a richer, thicker sauce.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with grilled fish or shrimp for a seafood twist on this Mexican-inspired dish.
• Prevent cheese sauce from separating by removing skillet from heat and adding cheese gradually while stirring constantly, ensuring smooth and creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg