There’s something magical about the combination of tender, flavorful chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is the perfect recipe to satisfy those cravings for something hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s a simple dish that brings together well-seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, zesty cheese sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or even a meal to impress guests. Served with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
I remember making this dish for the first time when I was looking for a quick dinner idea that felt a little indulgent. I didn’t have a lot of time, but I wanted something that packed a punch of flavor and didn’t require a ton of ingredients. The result? A cheesy, saucy chicken dish that was so satisfying and delicious, it immediately became part of my regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this Mexican chicken with cheese sauce will quickly become a favorite.
The best part? This recipe is super versatile. You can adjust the level of spice, swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, or add extra toppings to suit your taste. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: The star of this dish is the rich, velvety cheese sauce that smothers the perfectly seasoned chicken. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of spice.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
- Full of Flavor: The chicken is seasoned with Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, giving it bold, zesty flavors that pair perfectly with the cheese sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to make this dish spicier or milder, and it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, veggies, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, comforting dish. The flavors are bold but not too spicy, making it perfect for the whole family.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450 calories
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped green chilies (optional, for extra flavor and heat)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for creaminess)
Optional Toppings and Sides:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortillas or Spanish rice
- Refried beans or black beans
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. This seasoning gives the chicken a bold, Mexican-inspired flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in this spice rub for 15-30 minutes before cooking. If you’re short on time, seasoning the chicken right before cooking works just as well.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown crust. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Pro tip: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet (or in a separate medium saucepan if you prefer), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth and slightly golden. This step ensures that your sauce will be thick and creamy without any raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken—this should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted into the sauce. Then, stir in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt. If you like a little extra kick, add the chopped green chilies at this stage.
Finally, stir in the sour cream, which adds a rich, tangy creaminess to the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pro tip: If your cheese sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a minute longer to thicken up.
4. Combine the Chicken and Cheese Sauce
Once your cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thick strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Spoon the cheese sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Alternatively, you can serve the chicken whole, drizzling the cheese sauce over the top right before serving. Either way, the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the spiced chicken.
5. Garnish and Serve
Now comes the fun part—garnishing! Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions over the top of the cheesy chicken for a burst of freshness. If you like a little extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
How to Serve
Here are a few ideas on how to serve this Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal:
With Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice. The rice will soak up the delicious cheese sauce, making every bite even more flavorful.
With Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas make the perfect side for this dish. You can use them to scoop up the cheesy chicken or even turn the chicken into tacos by wrapping it in the tortillas.
With Beans: Add a side of refried beans or black beans to round out the meal. The beans pair well with the creamy cheese sauce and spiced chicken.
As a Burrito Bowl: Turn this into a burrito bowl by serving the chicken over rice with beans, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. It’s a fun and customizable way to enjoy this dish.
Over Pasta: For a Tex-Mex twist on chicken Alfredo, serve the cheesy chicken over cooked pasta like penne or fettuccine.
As a Taco Filling: Slice the chicken into strips and use it as a filling for tacos, adding the cheese sauce on top for a fun, flavorful twist on traditional tacos.
Additional Tips for Perfect Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the skillet as soon as it reaches 165°F. Letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily adjust the spice level of this dish to suit your taste. Add more cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy, or leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version of this dish, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream in the sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then combine them just before serving.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can still enjoy the same creamy cheese sauce over your veggies.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Add more heat to the cheese sauce by stirring in diced pickled jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce. This will give the sauce a spicy, tangy kick.
Chorizo and Cheese Chicken: Add crumbled cooked chorizo to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The smoky, spicy sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and spiced chicken.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: For an indulgent twist, wrap the chicken breasts in bacon before cooking. The bacon adds a smoky, crispy texture that complements the cheesy sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the cheesy chicken over cauliflower rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables for a low-carb meal.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Leftover chicken and cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and cheese sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat. Stir the cheese sauce frequently to ensure it doesn’t split or become too thick. You can add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if necessary.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and cheese sauce in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Special Equipment
Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and making the cheese sauce. It ensures even cooking and gives the chicken a nice sear.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for making a smooth cheese sauce. It helps prevent lumps and ensures the sauce is evenly mixed.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping the chicken breasts in the skillet without piercing the meat and losing moisture.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. They’re juicier than chicken breasts and add a slightly richer flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Can I make the cheese sauce without flour?
If you need a gluten-free option or want to skip the roux, you can thicken the sauce by adding cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce as it simmers.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can use any melty cheese you like. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, or try a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add more cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or even hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicier version of this dish.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. Just make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of spiced, tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce is truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out—be sure to snap a photo and share it! Enjoy your delicious, cheesy meal!
