If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic, this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Juicy, perfectly spiced chicken breasts baked to tender perfection and smothered in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce bursting with just the right hint of green chiles create a sensational flavor combination. This dish effortlessly brings together the warmth of traditional Mexican spices with the comforting richness of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, making every bite a celebration of flavors and textures you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep the recipe wonderfully straightforward yet full of vibrant flavors. Each component plays a key role, from the spice blend that gives the chicken its smoky kick to the creamy cheese sauce that ties it all together.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender heart of the dish, ready to soak up all the spices and cheese goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and keeps it juicy while baking.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and classic Mexican flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy warmth that perfectly complements the chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a subtle smoky profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a rich, mellow garlic aroma without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a sweet, savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without taking center stage.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and brightness to the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it’s essential for that perfect melt in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, buttery balance to the cheddar’s punch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: The magic thickener to create a smooth and velvety cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps form the base of the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce and gives it a perfect creamy consistency.
- 1/4 cup canned diced green chiles: A subtle kick of spicy, tangy flavor that truly elevates the sauce.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Brings freshness and a burst of vibrant green color to each plate.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure even cooking. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, which not only locks in moisture but also helps the spice mix adhere beautifully. Then, sprinkle each piece evenly with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is the heart of the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe, promising a rich, balanced flavor with just a hint of heat.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. The oven’s warmth will gently cook the chicken, allowing the spices to infuse fully while keeping the meat juicy and succulent.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the chicken bakes, focus on creating that dreamy cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook it for about one minute to get rid of the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens to just the right consistency, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Lower the heat, then add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and diced green chiles. Stir until the cheese melts fully and your sauce reaches a luscious, creamy texture that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and spoon that velvety cheese sauce generously over each breast. If you’re a cilantro fan, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top to add a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich flavors. Serve your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe immediately to enjoy the sauce warm and melty over the tender chicken.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take this dish to the next level. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. For those who love an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can cut through the creaminess, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice, which soak up every drop of the cheesy sauce. Refried beans or black beans add protein and a hearty texture, while roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers bring a vibrant, healthy contrast to the creamy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the baked chicken and layer it in warm tortillas with extra cheese sauce and fresh salsa for a delicious Mexican-inspired wrap. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of seasoned quinoa for a wholesome, nutritious meal that still highlights all the flavors of the original Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain optimum freshness and flavor. Be sure to keep the sauce and chicken together to retain the dish’s signature creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and cheese sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. This separation helps prevent the texture of the sauce from becoming grainy after thawing. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe gently in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir the sauce occasionally to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from separating. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that silky, luscious consistency intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and give the sauce its classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like queso fresco for a more authentic touch or even a smooth mozzarella for extra creaminess. Just keep in mind the melting properties to maintain that perfect cheese sauce texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with sensitivities.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For those who crave more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or mix finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese sauce. Both methods add a lively kick without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful alternative if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as thighs may need slightly longer to cook through thoroughly.
What sides go best with Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe?
Rice, beans, and roasted vegetables are classic companions, but you can also serve this dish with warm tortillas and fresh salsa or a simple green salad to round out a fantastic meal full of complementary textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait to bring this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe into your kitchen—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines familiar comfort with exciting, layered flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish’s creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly spiced chicken will become a new favorite that everyone will ask for again and again. Dive in and enjoy every indulgent bite!
Print
Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender, oven-baked chicken breasts seasoned with smoky chili powder and cumin, topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cheddar, Monterey Jack, and green chiles. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner, combining classic Mexican flavors with rich, melty cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup canned diced green chiles
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and season chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then evenly season them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the cheese sauce: Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, and diced green chiles. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven. Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over each chicken breast. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or stir in fresh jalapeños with the cheese sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use full-fat milk for a richer cheese sauce, or substitute with a lower-fat milk if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
