Craving a bold, flavorful dinner that’s easy to whip up and packed with creamy goodness? This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce delivers juicy, spiced chicken breasts smothered in a rich and velvety queso-style sauce. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect served over rice, inside tacos, or with warm tortillas for scooping.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this cheesy chicken skillet is sure to become a favorite. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms basic chicken into something crave-worthy and restaurant-worthy!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack (for a kick)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (mild or spicy)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or jalapeños for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with the spice blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir constantly until it thickens—about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and diced green chiles. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.
Step 4: Return Chicken to Sauce
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Let everything simmer for 3–4 minutes so flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately over rice, with tortillas, or veggies.
Variation:
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, onions, or corn before adding cheese
- Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini
- Spicy Version: Add chipotle in adobo or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce
- Tex-Mex Bake: Top with crushed tortilla chips and bake for 10 minutes
- Shredded Chicken Option: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fresh breasts
COOKING Note:
For the smoothest cheese sauce, shred your own cheese from a block—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of rice, Mexican or plain
- Tuck into flour tortillas or crispy taco shells
- Spoon over nachos or baked potatoes
- Pair with black beans, refried beans, or corn salad
- Add to a burrito bowl with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream
Tips:
- Don’t boil the cheese sauce—gentle heat keeps it smooth
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
- Make it ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed
- For extra protein, serve with black beans or quinoa
- If sauce gets too thick, thin with a little milk or chicken broth
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings):
- Calories: ~540
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fat: ~36g
- Sodium: ~650mg
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
Values vary based on cheese used and side dishes.
❓FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes! Just warm it in the cheese sauce and skip the searing step.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
- Use mild chiles and skip the pepper jack. Stick to cheddar or Monterey Jack.
What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
- Sharp cheddar or Mexican blend melts smoothly and has great flavor. For spice, add a little pepper jack.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, but the cheese sauce may change texture slightly. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux and ensure your cheese is gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is comfort food with a bold twist—zesty, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a simple skillet dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for taco night, this recipe delivers flavor and flexibility.
With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a family-favorite dish that works as a hearty main, wrap filling, or topping for your favorite carbs. Say hello to your new weeknight winner!