Get ready to add a vibrant, Mexican-inspired dish to your dinner repertoire! This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile dish that works beautifully with rice, beans, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Packed with Flavor: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika creates a warm, smoky seasoning for the chicken.
• Irresistibly Cheesy: The velvety cheese sauce is smooth, creamy, and infused with subtle hints of garlic.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add green chilies for a kick or skip them for a milder dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
• ¼ cup diced green chilies (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeño slices

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauc

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step removes the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the green chilies (if using), garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce generously over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices for a pop of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Combo: Serve with fluffy rice and black beans for a traditional pairing.
• Veggie Side: Pair with sautéed bell peppers or steamed broccoli for a lighter meal.
• Tortilla Fun: Slice the chicken and use it to fill soft tortillas for cheesy chicken tacos.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Helpful Tips:

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of chili powder for 30 minutes before cooking for a tangy kick.
• Control the Heat: Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes on top before serving.
• Smooth Sauce: Keep whisking the sauce as it thickens to ensure it’s lump-free.

Notes:

• If you don’t have Mexican blend cheese, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent substitutes.
• The cheese sauce thickens as it cools. If reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great substitute. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. You can also replace half the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe, here are a few more Mexican-inspired dishes to try:

• Chicken Enchiladas: A Comfort Food Classic
• Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food
• Mini Chicken Quesadillas

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, cheesy twist. Whether you’re craving something hearty or want to impress your dinner guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers on all fronts. Try it tonight, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

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