Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Chicken Breasts; 1 tsp Chili Powder; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes; 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano; 2 tsp Paprika; 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Pepper; 2 tbsp Flour; 2 tbsp Butter; 1 cup Milk; 0.25 tsp Salt; 0.125 tsp Cayenne Pepper; 0.25 tsp Paprika; 1 cup Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Introduction to Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Are you looking for a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with an indulgent cheese sauce? Look no further! This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a comforting meal that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

A Personal Story Behind My Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Journey

I still remember the first time I tasted Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce at a local restaurant. The aroma of grilled chicken mixed with the creamy, cheesy goodness was irresistible. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home! After several attempts and adjustments, I finally perfected this recipe, which has since become a staple in my household. I love serving it to friends and family, and it always brings smiles to their faces!

What Makes This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because of its flavorful seasoning blend and the luscious cheese sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights. The combination of spices, including chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin, infuses the chicken with a delicious kick. The creamy cheese sauce, made from extra sharp cheddar cheese, complements the seasoned chicken perfectly, making every bite a heavenly experience. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to master, regardless of cooking skill!

The Full Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Heat a grill pan over medium to high heat. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. This is a great time to prepare your cheese sauce!
Whisk in the flour and cook until it starts to bubble around the edges, about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to combine, ensuring there are no lumps.
Keep whisking until the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. It should be hot enough to melt the cheese but not boiling.
Gradually whisk in the cheese in small amounts until it’s all melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk.

Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper. Taste your sauce and add more salt if needed.
Serve the cheese sauce hot over the grilled chicken, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with plain rice, making it a complete meal. For an extra treat, serve it alongside Perfect Mexican Rice. You can also add some sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal. If you want to switch things up, consider adding jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick or even topping the chicken with diced tomatoes and avocado for a fresh twist!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or firm tofu, and use a plant-based cheese for the sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken and cheese sauce separately. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 350
Servings: 4