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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

4.5 from 62 reviews

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender, spiced chicken breasts cooked to perfection then coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce flavored with tomatoes, green chilies, and paprika. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect served over rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite sides for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with Mexican-inspired flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies if using, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken slices evenly in the sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the Mexican chicken with cheese sauce over rice, stuff into warm tortillas, or enjoy with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned diced tomatoes based on availability.
  • Green chilies are optional and can be omitted for a milder sauce.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce, chicken breasts, spicy chicken, cheddar cheese sauce, skillet chicken