Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce: A Spicy, Cheesy Delight

By Mary

Quick Benefits

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines juicy, spiced chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, offering a balance of protein and indulgence. The blend of spices adds a bold kick, while the smooth cheddar sauce enhances every bite. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare this delicious meal, you will need:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Preparation Steps

  1. Season the Chicken: Mix the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice mix.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest after grilling.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
    • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
    • Whisk in flour and cook until slightly bubbly.
    • Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Heat until warm but not boiling.
    • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Add paprika, cayenne, and salt to taste.
  4. Serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce over the grilled chicken and enjoy!

Health Benefits

This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken, essential for muscle growth and repair. The spices contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. While the cheese sauce adds indulgence, you can make it lighter by using reduced-fat cheese and milk.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce pairs well with:

  • Mexican Rice for a classic combo
  • Roasted Vegetables for a nutritious side
  • Tortillas to create wraps or tacos
  • A Green Salad with lime dressing for freshness
  • Black Beans or Corn for an authentic Mexican touch

Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of flavor.

Creative Variations

  • Spicier Version: Add more cayenne or include chopped chipotle peppers.
  • Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Creamy Additions: Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
  • Vegetable Mix: Sauté bell peppers or mushrooms and add them to the sauce.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the grilled chicken separately from the cheese sauce for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven, adding a little milk to the cheese sauce if it thickens too much.

Pro Tips

  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • If grilling outdoors, let the chicken marinate in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor but may need slightly longer cooking time.

Q: How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?
A: Use low heat and stir constantly. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold milk can help prevent clumping.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Grill the chicken and make the sauce separately. Reheat and assemble before serving.

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is sure to be a hit at any meal! Enjoy the bold spices and creamy sauce with your favorite sides for an unforgettable dish.

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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce: A Spicy, Cheesy Delight

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a bold and flavorful dish featuring juicy, spiced chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. The combination of chili, cumin, and paprika gives the chicken an authentic Mexican flair, while the cheese sauce adds a velvety indulgence. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or tortillas for a complete meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

For the chicken, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mix of spices is what gives our chicken its amazing flavor!
Now, take those beautiful chicken breasts and season both sides with the spice mixture. Make sure they’re well-covered.
Grill the chicken over medium to high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes for each side. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Now, let’s whip up that dreamy cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and cook until it bubbles slightly.
Gradually add in the milk, whisking constantly. This helps to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep heating until the mixture is hot enough to melt the cheese, but listen closely—don’t let it boil!
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add in the paprika and cayenne pepper, and adjust the salt to your taste.
Serve this beautiful cheese sauce hot over your grilled chicken and enjoy every bite!

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (depending on ingredient variations)

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