The Zestiest Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventures.

Melted cheese cascades over tender, seasoned poultry creating an irresistible aroma.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks can quickly master these flavor-packed ingredients without complicated techniques.

Warm spices dance through each succulent bite, promising a memorable meal.

Fresh, vibrant flavors combine effortlessly to deliver a crowd-pleasing dinner.

One taste will transport you straight to a cozy mexican restaurant.

Grab your skillet and let’s make magic happen!

What’s Great About Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Spice Up Your Weeknight: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with bold Mexican-inspired seasonings that pack a flavor punch.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Craft a gourmet dish in under an hour using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests with its creamy sauce, zesty spices, and cheesy topping that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking method that uses the same skillet for searing, sauce-making, and creating a complete meal that's both practical and delectable.

Everything You Need For Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the main protein and centerpiece of this creamy, flavorful dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A spice mixture that provides deep, warm flavor and enhances the chicken's taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich cooking medium and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Brings richness and creates a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Adds a creamy, melty topping that complements the spiced chicken.
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, fresh citrus note to balance the rich sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions: Offer a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and herbal freshness.

How To Put Together Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking dish ready to welcome the chicken.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure every inch gets some love from the spices.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Move the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, keeping all those delicious pan drippings behind.

Step 5: Awaken The Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and dance it around for 30 seconds, releasing its magical aroma.

Step 6: Create The Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the pan.

Step 7: Whisk Up A Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Cover The Chicken

Pour the velvety sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend generously, making sure each chicken piece gets a cheesy blanket.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F internally.

Step 11: Rest And Refresh

Pull the dish out and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to settle.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and scatter chopped cilantro and green onions on top for a burst of freshness.

Top Tips For Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Seal in Flavor: Sear chicken at high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds depth to the dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk cream continuously and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle cheese evenly and place chicken close to the top of the oven for perfect, bubbly cheese coverage.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Fresh Finish Boost: Add lime juice and herbs just before serving to brighten flavors and introduce a fresh, zesty element to the creamy chicken.

Tasty Options For Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Swap: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder for a smokier, more intense heat profile, adding depth to the chicken's flavor.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Lighter Protein Option: Use turkey breast instead of chicken, adjusting cooking time slightly to prevent drying out while keeping the same spice blend.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms, marinating them in the same spice mix and following identical cooking techniques for a hearty plant-based alternative.

Good Pairings For Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Pair Zesty Mexican Cream Chicken with These Delights
• Serve Vibrant Mexican Rice: A classic, fluffy rice side with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro perfectly complements the creamy, spiced chicken.
• Match with Crisp Margarita: A tangy lime margarita balances the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the dish's robust spices with refreshing citrus notes.
• Create Roasted Corn Salad: A bright southwestern-style corn salad with bell peppers, lime juice, and chili powder adds freshness and texture to the meal.
• Pour Crisp Mexican Lager: A cold, light beer like Modelo or Dos Equis provides a clean, crisp counterpoint to the chicken's rich, creamy profile.

How To Keep Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Aim for 165°F internal temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Answers To Common Questions About Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Do I need a special type of Mexican cheese blend?

No, any blend with monterey jack, cheddar, or queso fresco will work perfectly in this recipe.

• How spicy will this dish be with chili powder?

Mild to moderate. If you want less heat, reduce chili powder or use a mild variety.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, this chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and fits well within keto dietary guidelines.

Velvety Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce brings fiery flavors and rich, creamy comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of taste that will satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced green onions
• 1 lime (for juice)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish that will comfortably accommodate the chicken breasts.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and developing a rich exterior crust.
4. Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, maintaining the flavorful fond in the skillet.
5. Mince garlic and sauté in the same skillet for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s surface.
7. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and whisk continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
8. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
10. Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend generously over the chicken, covering each piece completely.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
13. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken just before serving.
14. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and diced green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and maximize flavor absorption.
• Create a low-carb version by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or using a lighter cheese like queso fresco.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness precisely, preventing overcooking and maintaining succulent texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg