Ah, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce! This delightful recipe brings a taste of Mexico straight to your table, combining tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that just begs to be poured over everything. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or indulge with family during a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The seasoning blend packs a punch, delivering that desired spicy kick and elevating the chicken to new heights.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: The creamy cheese sauce melts perfectly over the chicken, turning a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave a homemade touch.
- Adaptable for Everyone: Perfect for customization, ensuring everyone in the family finds something to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the spices adding depth and heat to the chicken or the sharp cheddar making the sauce perfectly creamy and rich.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless and skinless to allow the flavors to penetrate more easily, ensuring juicy bites every time.
- Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These spices form the heart of our Mexican seasoning, offering warmth and aroma.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of a kick, this will take your taste buds on a thrilling ride.
- Cheddar Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar; it makes a world of difference in texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own! Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to fit your dietary needs or specific taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist.
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease the cayenne and red pepper flakes to customize the heat to your liking.
- Cheese Experiments: Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an interesting flavor profile.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Mix together your spices – chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and more – to create a robust seasoning mix. Generously season both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply. This step sets the tone for every delicious bite.
Step 2: Grilling to Perfection
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat for that perfect sear, then grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked. The secret to juicy, perfectly cooked chicken lies in reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside and let it rest while you whip up that divine cheese sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
- Cheese Selection: Always opt for a block of cheese and shred it yourself for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: Add cheese slowly when making the sauce to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
- Skip the Boil: Heat the milk mixture until hot, but not boiling, to keep the cheese smooth.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning before serving over the chicken.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Garnishes
You can elevate your dish with garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a fresh squeeze of lime to add brightness and balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy cilantro lime rice or a fresh, tangy Mexican-style corn salad. These sides complement the bold flavors of the dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice with cheese drizzled artistically on top, or create a chic platter with accompaniments like avocado slices and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a vibrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify, making the dish even more delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just ensure it is kept separate from the cheese sauce for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, slowly warm the chicken and cheese sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the sauce if necessary, to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often includes additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the smoothness of the sauce. For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese from a block.
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Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has a mild kick, thanks to the cayenne and crushed red pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking by altering these ingredients.
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Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding milk as necessary to restore its creamy texture.
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What other meats can I use?
The seasoning and cheese sauce pair well with pork or beef. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in making and savoring this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce as I do. The blend of spices, creamy sauce, and succulent chicken is sure to win hearts at your dinner table. Dive in with enthusiasm and make this dish part of your culinary repertoire!
Print
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken dish topped with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
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 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, do not use the bags!
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix together all the seasonings including chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the pan and grill until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove from pan and set aside to rest.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it begins to bubble. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and heat until hot but not boiling, about 3-5 minutes. Once hot, reduce heat to low and slowly add shredded cheese, whisking until smooth and melted. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper, and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and spoon the cheese sauce generously over it. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños.
- You can substitute the cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure cheese is shredded fresh; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
- This dish pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
