Get ready to fall in love with Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, a dish that’s equal parts comforting and festive. This recipe takes juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts and crowns them with a luxuriously smooth, melty cheese sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a delicious meal for friends, this dish has all the bold flavors and creamy goodness you could wish for. Every bite delivers that magical combination of smoky, cheesy, and zesty notes we all dream about. Trust me, you’ll want to make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce a regular at your dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that pack in loads of flavor. Each one brings something special, whether it’s the warmth of spices, the richness of cream, or that irresistible stretch of melted cheese.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean canvas for all those bold flavors—juicy and satisfying every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and creates a gorgeous golden crust in the skillet.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds just the right amount of smoky spice without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Delivers earthy depth and rounds out the Mexican-inspired flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: That subtle smokiness elevates the chicken and makes every bite more interesting.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Ensures every mouthful is loaded with savory goodness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Instantly brings all the other flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth at the end.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into that dreamy sauce; mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pre-shredded blend all work great.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient for a silk-smooth, decadent cheese sauce.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Loosens up the sauce so it pours perfectly over the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese: Ensures the sauce is ultra-creamy with just a hint of tang.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Helps achieve the perfect thick, clingy cheese sauce if you want a little extra body.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: For that fresh, herby pop at the very end—don’t skip it!
- Lime wedges (for serving): The squeeze of brightness that ties the whole plate together.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, pat your chicken dry and rub both sides with olive oil. In a small bowl, blend together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the chicken. Heat a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high, and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden. This initial step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Step 2: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Once both sides are gorgeous and caramelized, pop the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken will emerge juicy and tender, ready to soak up that luscious cheese sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the chicken finishes in the oven, it’s time for the star of your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce—an unbelievably creamy, velvety topping. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture smooths out. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until everything melts into a luscious sauce. If you prefer a thicker texture, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and whisk it in, simmering for about a minute more.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and immediately pour that warm, fragrant cheese sauce generously over each piece. The sauce will sink into all those nooks and crannies, turning your chicken into something truly mouthwatering. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and arrange lime wedges on the side for a final touch of zing. That’s it—Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce perfection!
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh cilantro instantly brightens the dish, and a squeeze of lime right before serving delivers a punch of fresh flavor and balances the richness of the cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños or a dusting of extra smoked paprika for even more color and personality on your plate.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce absolutely sings alongside Spanish rice, black beans, or roasted vegetables. Consider adding warm tortillas for scooping up extra sauce—you won’t want to let a drop go to waste! For a lighter option, crisp romaine lettuce or simple avocado salad are fresh, cooling partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little playful with the presentation? Slice the chicken before topping with cheese sauce for an elegant plated look, or serve it family-style on a warm platter with all the fixings on the side. Leftover sauce also makes a fantastic drizzle for loaded nachos or baked potatoes, so don’t be afraid to double up and get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy, it’s best to store the sauce and chicken separately, if possible.
Freezing
The chicken itself freezes wonderfully, just wrap it tightly and store for up to two months. For best results, prepare the cheese sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven (covered, at 325°F) or microwave until hot. If your cheese sauce has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of milk and reheat it on low, stirring constantly until silky and smooth. Then simply pour the warmed sauce back over the chicken before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs often cook a bit faster and can stay extra tender.
How can I make the cheese sauce spicier?
If you crave a little heat, swap in some pepper jack or queso blanco for part of the cheese, or stir chopped pickled jalapeños into the sauce before serving. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Definitely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter cheese sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese if you wish. The chicken itself is naturally lean, so most of the richness comes from the sauce.
Can I make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce ahead for parties?
Yes! Cook the chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then quickly warm it in the oven before pouring over freshly made cheese sauce. This makes it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese sauce smooth?
Be sure to melt the cream cheese completely before adding shredded cheese, and always stir constantly over gentle heat. If needed, the optional cornstarch slurry will help keep the sauce silky and prevent any graininess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and guaranteed to impress, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce should be at the top of your list. The blend of spices, juicy chicken, and decadent cheese sauce is pure magic. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home!
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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Mexico with this delicious Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices, baked to perfection, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of savory and spicy, guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Sear seasoned chicken in a skillet until golden, then bake in the oven until cooked through.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Thicken with cornstarch if needed.
- Assemble Dish: Pour cheese sauce over cooked chicken, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with Mexican rice, black beans, or roasted vegetables.
- For a spicier sauce, try using pepper jack or queso blanco cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
