Description
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a bold, flavorful recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish pairs beautifully with Mexican rice and other classic sides.
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 black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside to rest.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until bubbly.
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- When the sauce is hot but not boiling, add cheese in small batches, whisking until fully melted.
- Stir in cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt to taste. Remove from heat.
- Serve the cooked chicken topped with the hot cheese sauce. Enjoy over rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken — 165°F is ideal.
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth sauce; avoid pre-shredded blends.
- The cheese sauce can also be used as a dip or for pasta.
- Spice level is adjustable by adding or omitting red pepper flakes and cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Grill Pan
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 546
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1744mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 178mg
Keywords: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, creamy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken dinner, Mexican spiced chicken, cheddar sauce