Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, spiced chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Use Pepper Jack cheese and add chopped jalapeños for extra spice.
Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Use low-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese sauce; add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much.
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Making Sauce
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
