Name: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack for spice); 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp chili powder; Salt to taste

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, spiced chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, and pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack for spice)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp chili powder

Salt to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the chicken strips or cubes with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.

Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked chicken. Serve immediately with Mexican rice, tortilla chips, steamed broccoli, warm tortillas, and optional toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sliced avocado, sour cream, or diced tomatoes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is roughly 15 minutes, so the whole dish can be ready in about 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to swap the chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat. For extra spice, I use Pepper Jack cheese and add chopped jalapeños to the sauce. You can also add black beans or corn for a heartier meal. For a lighter version, I use low-fat cheese and milk.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the cheese sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding to the chicken, stirring well to restore its smooth texture.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

Mozzarella or even a mild mozzarella blend works well if you don’t have Monterey Jack. Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy kick if you like heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since the cheese sauce uses flour. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Can I use a different type of milk in the cheese sauce?

Yes, whole milk works best for creaminess, but 2% or even almond milk can be used. Just note that the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Conclusion

I find this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe a perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy comfort. It’s straightforward to prepare and endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to meal for busy days or casual dinners. Whether served with tortillas, rice, or fresh toppings, it always delivers a satisfying and tasty experience.

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce