Print

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Print Recipe

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce infused with Mexican spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting recipe balances mild heat and indulgent creaminess, making it a family-friendly and versatile meal ideal for lunches, dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican spices blend (cumin, paprika, chili powder)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons diced green chilies (mild heat)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of the Mexican spices. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with oil, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Let simmer gently to blend flavors and reduce liquid slightly.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower heat and slowly add the heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the cheese sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and let simmer together for a few minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top along with optional sliced green onions and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Simmer the cheese sauce gently to avoid curdling or separation.
  • Adjust spices gradually and taste as you go to balance heat.
  • Use a non-stick pan to prevent burning while cooking chicken and reducing sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce, creamy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/mexican-chicken-with-cheese-sauce/