Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

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!

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