The Ultimate Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe – Fiesta on a Plate

Comfort meets culinary delight in this mouthwatering Mexican chicken with cheese sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors, this dish brings the warmth of traditional Mexican cooking right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken pieces bathe in a velvety cheese sauce that melts perfectly with each bite.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a recipe that speaks directly to your hunger for something deliciously satisfying.

Every forkful promises a journey through authentic Mexican-inspired flavors that will have you craving more.

Prepare to savor a meal that turns an everyday dinner into a celebration of taste.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce: Flavorful Highlights

• Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this Mexican chicken recipe in less than an hour, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or serve over different grains to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with a creamy, zesty cheese sauce that adds incredible flavor and excitement to your plate.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn foolproof cooking methods like perfectly seasoning chicken and creating a smooth cheese sauce that will boost your kitchen confidence.

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this Mexican-inspired dish.

• Paprika, Cayenne: Spices that add warmth and depth of flavor to the chicken.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux base for a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides a rich and silky liquid component for the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a luxurious and tangy sauce that complements the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the chicken and promote even browning during roasting.

Steps to Cheesy Mexican Chicken

Step 1: Prep Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterfully

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder

Lay chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.

Splash olive oil over each piece and massage it into every nook and cranny.

Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously, ensuring total coverage.

Step 3: Roast Chicken to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Roast for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

While chicken cooks, create a luxurious sauce.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add flour and whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth paste.

Step 5: Build Silky Cheese Sauce

Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

• Shredded cheese
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes gloriously smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer chicken to a serving plate.

Drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Saucy, Cheesy Chicken

• Mix spices thoroughly to ensure even, flavorful coating on chicken breasts.
• Use parchment paper or foil to keep chicken moist and prevent sticking to baking sheet.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk and cheese to create smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Use meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit different dietary preferences.

Fun Chicken Variations with Cheese

• Switch cayenne pepper with chipotle powder for a smoky heat. Add diced green chiles to cheese sauce for extra southwestern flavor. Use pepper jack cheese instead of regular shredded cheese.
• Replace grain base with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use full-fat cream instead of milk in cheese sauce. Select high-fat cheese like aged cheddar for increased keto compliance.
• Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Choose plant-based butter or olive oil for sauce base. Season with extra herbs for rich flavor profile.

Serving Mexican Chicken with Cheese

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Serve the spicy chicken over fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal that bursts with flavor.
• Zesty Cheese Drizzle Technique: Pour the warm, creamy cheese sauce generously over the chicken, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a mouthwatering visual appeal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top to add a bright, green pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the rich cheese sauce.
• Quick Side Companion: Pair with a crisp Mexican-style salad or quick black bean salsa to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken and add extra texture to the plate.

Storage for Mexican Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover Mexican chicken and cheese sauce in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow chicken and sauce to reach room temperature before storing in the refrigerator, which helps preserve texture and prevents condensation.
• Keep chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring you consume it within this timeframe for optimal taste and safety.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for best results, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture.

FAQs

• What seasonings work best for this chicken recipe?

A blend of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper creates the perfect flavor profile for these Mexican-style chicken breasts.

• Can I use different types of cheese for the sauce?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend like queso blanco work great and add delicious authentic flavor to the sauce.

• 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.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Mexican chicken enchiladas bring zesty southwestern comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering blend you’ll crave with every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) thin sliced, skinless + boneless chicken breast (about 6 breasts)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Create a seasoning blend in a small bowl. Position chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, lightly coat with olive oil, and thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture onto both sides of each breast.
3. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
4. Simultaneously, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
5. Gradually stream milk into the butter-flour base, whisking continuously to maintain a silky consistency. Fold in shredded cheese, stirring until fully integrated and velvety.
6. Enhance the sauce with paprika and cayenne, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and create a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Plate the perfectly roasted chicken over your preferred grain, generously cascade the rich cheese sauce on top, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and quick preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick and create a perfect golden crust.
• Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg