Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a quick and easy meal bursting with bold, comforting flavors. Tender chicken is paired with a creamy, mildly spiced cheese sauce featuring hints of chili powder and cumin. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, it’s family-friendly, versatile, and made with simple pantry staples. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or veggies for a delicious, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
- ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce or salsa and cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors. Gradually add shredded cheese and milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as rice, tortillas, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use good quality cheese like sharp cheddar or fresh Monterey Jack for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer the cheese sauce gently — avoid boiling to prevent graininess.
- Adjust chili powder to control spiciness according to preference.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Mexican chicken, cheese sauce, quick dinner, family meal, creamy chicken, easy Mexican recipe, weeknight dinner
