Zesty Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavor

Whipping up a delectable mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of rich, melted cheese blanket tender chicken pieces in this irresistible dish.

Childhood memories of hearty family meals flood back with each savory bite.

Bold spices dance through the creamy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the senses.

Regional mexican culinary traditions shine through in this simple yet stunning recipe.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this mouthwatering classic.

Dive into this culinary adventure and transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Craft Flavor-Packed Meal: Create a restaurant-quality dish packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Speed Through Cooking: Prepare a delicious main course in under half an hour with simple techniques and minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to suit individual preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or spice enthusiasts.
• Elevate Protein Game: Turn basic chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that adds luxurious texture and depth of flavor.

What You’ll Need For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, lean protein that serves as the base of this Mexican-inspired dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with even cooking and sauce creation.

• Heavy Cream, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: Create a luxurious, smooth cheese sauce with creamy texture and sharp flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Add depth and traditional Mexican-inspired seasoning to the chicken and cheese sauce.

• Cilantro, Green Onions, Jalapeño, Lime: Provide bright, fresh flavors and colorful finishing touches to the dish.

How To Make Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure every inch gets some seasoning love.

Step 2: Sizzle the Skillet

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s dancing and shimmering with excitement.

Step 3: Golden Brown Perfection

Gently place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe and delicious chicken.

Step 4: Craft the Cheesy Sauce

Start the sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan over low heat. This creates the perfect creamy base.

Step 5: Create Smooth Sauce Magic

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Stir continuously to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 6: Cheese Sauce Transformation

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder

Mix until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This helps lock in those delicious juices.

Step 8: Sauce Shower

Pour the warm, velvety cheese sauce over the cooked chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 9: Garnish with Flair

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Optional diced jalapeño for extra kick

Step 10: Citrus Finish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish right before serving to brighten up all the flavors.

Step 11: Serve and Devour

Bring the dish to the table immediately while the cheese sauce is warm and the chicken remains tender. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips To Perfect Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy results every time.
• Creamy Sauce Perfection: Melt cheese slowly over low heat and whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve silky smooth consistency.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to cheese sauce for extra depth and authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
• Healthier Alternative: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse more robust southwestern flavors.

Creative Ways To Serve Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Replace mild chili powder with chipotle powder and add diced roasted green chiles to the cheese sauce for a smoky, intense flavor profile.
• Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Mix cream cheese into the sauce, top with crispy bacon bits, and sprinkle extra jalapeños for a tangy, crunchy experience.
• Ranch-Style Mexican Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the cheese sauce and garnish with fresh pico de gallo for a zesty, herbaceous kick.
• Queso Fundido Version: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca and queso fresco, adding diced chorizo to the sauce for rich, authentic Mexican taste.

What To Eat With Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly complements the rich cheese sauce and cuts through the chicken's savory flavors.
• Enhance with Citrus Margarita: Tequila-based cocktail with fresh lime juice mirrors the recipe's lime garnish, adding bright, tangy notes that elevate the dish's Mexican-inspired profile.
• Match with Cilantro-Infused Sangria: White wine sangria blended with fresh cilantro echoes the herb's presence in the recipe, creating a refreshing and harmonious flavor combination.
• Serve Alongside Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice provides a complementary side that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce and balances the chicken's bold spices.

How To Store Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn; freeze for up to 2 months, noting that cheese sauce may slightly separate upon thawing.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Gently reheat cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly and adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creamy consistency and prevent separation.

FAQs On Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Why use olive oil for cooking the chicken?

Olive oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle flavor to the chicken while creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior that helps seal in moisture.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack work great as alternatives to cheddar, offering similar creamy texture and complementary flavor profiles for Mexican-style dishes.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

• What makes the cheese sauce creamy and smooth?

Slowly whisking heavy cream, milk, and cheese over low heat prevents separation and creates a silky, rich sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Custard Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the rich, zesty flavors of Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, a culinary journey through spicy textures and creamy delights. Comfort meets excitement on your plate, inviting you to explore bold southwestern tastes with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp chili powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. While chicken cooks, prepare cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan over low heat.
5. Whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chili powder, mixing until smooth and creamy.
7. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
8. Pour warm cheese sauce over cooked chicken, covering evenly.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional diced jalapeño.
10. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving to enhance flavors.
11. Serve immediately while cheese sauce is warm and chicken is tender.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough.
• Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for richer, more robust flavor in the sauce.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 704 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 167 mg