Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts are baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce with optional green chilies for a zesty kick. This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Rub spice mix evenly over both sides of chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add green chilies if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking.
- Spoon cheese sauce generously over each chicken breast and serve warm.
Notes
- Want extra heat? Add jalapeños to the cheese sauce or increase cayenne in the spice mix.
- This dish pairs well with Spanish rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/mexican-chicken-with-cheese-sauce/