Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a bold, zesty dinner that practically oozes with comfort, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is about to become your new favorite! These juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts are grilled to perfection, then smothered in a silky homemade cheddar sauce that delivers just the right kick. Every bite is like a warm, cheesy hug with south-of-the-border flair.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing better than a recipe made from simple, familiar ingredients that deliver bold flavor. Every item on this list plays a role—whether it’s infusing the chicken with smoky warmth, lending the cheese sauce its velvety texture, or adding that golden color everyone loves.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for evenly-sized pieces so they cook up juicy and tender (and don’t dry out on the grill).
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper: This vibrant blend transforms plain chicken into a fiesta of flavor, balancing smokiness, savoriness, and just a hint of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: The classic duo to round out all those spices and highlight every savory note.
• Butter: The backbone of the cheese sauce—melted butter is what gets the roux started and makes everything luxuriously rich.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce without making it heavy or gluey.
• Milk: Whole milk is best for ultra creaminess, but 2% works in a pinch!
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (hand-shred, not pre-bagged): For that tangy cheese flavor and perfectly melty texture—skip the bagged kind because it contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: For color and a little extra warmth at the end—adjust the cayenne if you’re spice-shy or spice-loving!

Variations

One of the joys of Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is how forgiving it is—don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! You can easily tweak this recipe for dietary needs, or get creative with what’s already in your pantry.

• Swap the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack for a milder sauce, or pepper jack if you love a little extra heat and a creamy finish.
• Go Low-Carb: Serve the spiced chicken and cheese sauce over sautéed bell peppers, zucchini noodles, or a bed of fresh spinach instead of rice.
• Make It Tex-Mex: Top the finished dish with pickled jalapeños, sliced black olives, or a scoop of guacamole for a Tex-Mex feast.
• Sneak in Veggies: Stir in some sautéed corn or onions to the cheese sauce, or pile the saucy chicken over roasted sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist.

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Spice Rub the Chicken

Start by mixing together all the spices—chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry, then coat both sides generously with your homemade rub. Don’t be shy! This seasoning is what sets your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce apart.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan (or skillet) over medium to high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, lay down your chicken and cook each side until beautifully charred and the inside is cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re shooting for that magic safe temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest while you whip up that luscious cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until it just begins to bubble (but don’t let it brown). Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or so to create a smooth paste—this keeps your sauce creamy instead of floury. Next, slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Let it heat through, checking if it’s hot enough to melt cheese (but don’t let it boil!).

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese & Finish

When the milk mixture is steamy-hot, begin adding your freshly shredded cheddar in small handfuls, whisking after each addition until fully melted and silky. Stir in the paprika and cayenne for color and a subtle kick. Taste and salt as needed. Immediately pour your gorgeously gooey cheese sauce over the grilled chicken and serve while everything’s piping hot.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Garnishes

The right garnish can take your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce from weeknight good to restaurant-level gorgeous! Try fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dusting of chili powder for color. If you love richness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish is magical served on a fluffy bed of Mexican rice to soak up every drop of cheese sauce, or next to warm tortillas for scooping. Black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, or even corn salad make delicious, colorful partners. Don’t forget tortilla chips—they’re perfect for swiping up extra cheese sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced and fanned out with sauce drizzled artfully over the top, or turn it into a build-your-own taco bar with shredded lettuce, pico, and cheese sauce on the side. For parties, chop the grilled chicken, toss it with the sauce, and tuck into mini sliders or pile onto nachos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible; this helps the chicken stay juicy and the cheese sauce silky.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken without sauce for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Cheese sauces don’t always freeze perfectly (they can turn grainy), but if you have leftover sauce, stir in a splash of cream before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm chicken gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water. Reheat the cheese sauce slowly over low heat, whisking constantly—add a bit of milk to refresh the creamy consistency if needed. Stir well and serve immediately over your chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, don’t be surprised if it finds its way into your regular dinner rotation! It’s bright, bold, and customizable enough for any night of the week. So go ahead—grab those spices, melt that cheese, and treat yourself to a plateful of irresistible comfort and flavor. You’re going to love every bite!

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