Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with this tantalizing dish. Tender, spiced chicken breasts are elevated to new heights with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for any night of the week, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce promises to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
In our cozy household, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition. Ever since I stumbled upon this gem, it’s become a go-to favorite for my husband and me. I vividly recall the first time I served it; the aroma wafting from the kitchen had him rushing to the table before I could even set it down. Since then, it’s been a staple, a dish we eagerly anticipate and savor together. It’s not just about the flavors—it’s about the memories we create around it, the laughter shared, and the love infused in every bite.
Why This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Will Be Your New Favorite
- Bursting with bold Mexican spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish offers a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
- The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy cheese sauce, made from scratch with real cheddar cheese, butter, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Versatile and family-friendly, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or even special occasions when you want to impress.
- With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
- Say goodbye to boring chicken dinners and hello to a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 680g / 1.5 lb)
- 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 pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
- Heat a grill pan over medium to high heat.
- Grill the seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Set aside.
Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook until it begins to bubble around the edges.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Once heated through, start whisking in shredded cheddar cheese in small amounts until fully melted and incorporated.
- Stir in salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed.
- Serve the cheese sauce hot over the grilled chicken breasts.
Notes:
- For a spicier cheese sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it may contain additives that affect the texture and flavor of the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the spice blend for the chicken to suit your taste buds.
- Serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides like rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
