Name: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned, optional); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of spices, then topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce that includes a hint of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a subtle kick.

Two grilled chicken breasts sit in a white bowl, each piece showing charred grill marks and a golden-brown color. They are topped with a creamy yellow sauce that drips over the sides, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs and small red pepper pieces. The surface under the bowl is a white marbled texture, and a lime is blurred in the background. The overall look is fresh and vibrant with a mix of creamy and textured elements. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned, optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the cheese sauce.
Step 7: Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy diced green chilies.
Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste, especially in summer months.
To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the cheese sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, stir in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Two pieces of grilled chicken are placed in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Each piece is covered with creamy yellow sauce that drips down the sides, mixed with small red chili pieces and green chopped herbs sprinkled evenly on top. The chicken has a golden brown color with visible grill marks. The sauce pools slightly around the base of the chicken, adding a smooth texture contrast to the grilled meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and remain moist during cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, adjusting quantities accordingly.