Flavorful Mexican Chicken in Creamy Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Sizzling skillets and comfort food collide in this mouthwatering Mexican chicken with creamy cheddar cheese sauce that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Rich, golden cheese cascades over tender, seasoned chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Spices weave their magic through each succulent bite, promising warmth and satisfaction.

The recipe blends traditional Mexican influences with creamy, hearty textures that make dinner feel like a celebration.

Melted cheddar adds a luxurious touch that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Bold and comforting, this dish delivers a delightful experience that speaks directly to your hunger.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Creamy Mexican Chicken Bake

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Punch up the chicken's flavor profile with these zesty spice blends that add warmth and depth to the meat.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Dried Oregano: Bring a subtle kick of heat and herbal notes that elevate the Mexican-inspired taste.
• Paprika, Ground Cumin: Create a rich, smoky undertone that complements the chicken's natural taste and adds authentic southwestern character.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor complexity.

• Flour, Butter: Create a silky roux that forms the creamy foundation for the sauce, ensuring smooth texture and rich consistency.
• Milk: Provides a luxurious, velvety liquid base that helps bind the sauce and create a luscious coating.
• Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika: Add subtle layers of seasoning that brighten and intensify the sauce's flavor profile.

• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Select freshly shredded cheese for maximum melting potential and robust, tangy flavor that crowns the dish with creamy goodness.

Equipment for Creamy Cheddar Chicken

• Grill Pan: Essential for creating perfectly grilled chicken with beautiful sear marks and smoky flavor.
• Medium Saucepan: Crucial for preparing the creamy, smooth cheese sauce with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, milk, and cheese smoothly without lumps.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing spices and evenly coating chicken breasts.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for consistent seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Great for shredding fresh cheddar cheese for the most delicious sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Mexican Chicken Recipe

• Spice Blend Preparation

Create a vibrant spice mixture by mixing various aromatic seasonings that will transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion. This blend will give your dish a zesty Mexican-inspired kick.

• Chicken Seasoning

Generously coat chicken with the prepared spice blend, ensuring every inch gets covered with the tantalizing mixture. The spices will infuse deep flavor into the meat during cooking.

• Chicken Grilling

Heat a grill pan until it’s sizzling hot and cook the seasoned chicken until it reaches perfect doneness. The high heat will create beautiful caramelization and seal in all the delicious spice flavors.

• Cheese Sauce Foundation

Start building a luxurious sauce by melting butter and creating a smooth roux. This technique forms the creamy base that will make your sauce incredibly rich and velvety.

• Sauce Development

Gradually introduce milk and cheese, whisking constantly to create a silky smooth sauce. The gradual addition prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly creamy texture that will make mouths water.

• Final Touches

Enhance the sauce with a sprinkle of additional spices for an extra flavor punch. Drizzle the warm, golden cheese sauce over the grilled chicken, creating a mouthwatering presentation that promises pure deliciousness.

• Serving

Plate the spice-crusted chicken draped in creamy cheese sauce, ready to be devoured. Each bite promises a symphony of bold Mexican-inspired flavors that will transport taste buds to culinary bliss.

Flavor Tips & Ideas for Mexican Chicken

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Mild lovers can skip these entirely, while heat seekers can add extra kick.
• Cheese Sauce Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for unique flavor profiles. Sharp cheddar provides deeper taste, while mild cheddar offers gentler notes.
• Grilling Alternatives: No grill pan? Use a cast-iron skillet, outdoor grill, or even bake chicken in the oven at 400°F. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
• Healthier Twist: Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories. Use whole wheat flour for added nutrition in the cheese sauce roux.
• Serving Suggestions: Transform this dish into tacos by shredding the chicken and serving in warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños for extra zest.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Dish

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Serve this mouthwatering Mexican chicken with fluffy cilantro-lime rice that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Veggie Sidekick Delight: Roast colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to create a vibrant side dish that complements the spicy chicken's robust flavors.
• Fresh Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice over the chicken to brighten the dish and add a zesty punch.
• Texture Adventure: Top the chicken with crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for an extra crunch that provides delightful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.

How to Keep Mexican Chicken Fresh

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days, while the sauce keeps well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Freeze the grilled chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain maximum flavor and texture.
• Sauce Separation Solution: When reheating, warm the cheese sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent separation and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the spice mix and chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and make the sauce just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture. This strategy saves time and keeps the dish tasting fresh and delicious.

Zesty Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican chicken delights with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that blends bold spices and rich flavors. Comfort meets culinary excitement, inviting diners to savor each delectable bite of this hearty meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsps flour
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese (fresh, not pre-packaged)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Spice Blend Preparation: Combine all ground spices – chili, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper – in a compact container, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious seasoning blend.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Meticulously coat chicken breasts on both surfaces with the spice mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Grilling Process: Preheat grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing surface that promotes caramelization and locks in chicken’s natural moisture.
4. Cooking Technique: Position seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill pan, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat with a tantalizingly crisp exterior.
5. Resting Phase: Allow grilled chicken to rest momentarily, permitting natural juices to redistribute and enhance overall succulence.
6. Cheese Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, establishing a smooth base for the creamy cheese sauce.
7. Roux Development: Introduce flour to melted butter, whisking continuously to create a golden, lump-free roux that serves as the sauce’s thickening agent.
8. Sauce Transformation: Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps and develop a silky, uniform consistency.
9. Cheese Integration: Once the mixture reaches optimal thickness, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes completely smooth, glossy, and luxuriously creamy.
10. Flavor Enhancement: Elevate the sauce’s complexity by adding a sprinkle of paprika and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt to intensify the overall flavor profile.
11. Plating and Finishing: Transfer perfectly grilled chicken to serving plates and generously cascade the warm, velvety cheese sauce over the top, creating a visually appealing and delectable presentation.
12. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and sauce consistency, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Blend Pro Tip: Create the spice mixture ahead of time and store in an airtight container for quick future use.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results.
• Resting Technique: Let chicken rest 5-7 minutes after grilling to lock in moisture and enhance tenderness.
• Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk milk into roux gradually and consistently to prevent lumpy cheese sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg