Sizzling Spicy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this spicy Mexican chicken with cheese sauce recipe brings the bold spirit of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table.

Seared chicken breasts mingle with a zesty, creamy cheese sauce that promises an explosion of taste.

Carefully selected spices dance across tender meat, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that will make your taste buds sing.

The combination of smoky seasonings and melted cheese creates an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors.

This dish transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration of Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve With Rice, Tortillas, or Salad

• Fiesta Flavor Fusion: Serve this zesty Mexican chicken over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a complete and vibrant meal that captures authentic southwestern flavors.
• Cheesy Sidekick Spread: Layer the chicken over warm tortillas, drizzle with the creamy cheese sauce, and top with fresh chopped cilantro and diced avocado for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a hearty bowl by slicing the chicken, mixing it with black beans, corn, and the cheese sauce, then garnishing with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and texture.
• Fresh Salsa Companion: Pair the chicken with a quick homemade pico de gallo or fresh salsa verde to brighten the dish and add a zesty, fresh contrast to the rich cheese sauce.

Store for Easy Lunches and Dinners

• Keep leftover Mexican chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate the cheese sauce in another container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent soggy chicken.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen chicken remains delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to prevent drying out.
• Cook extra chicken during your initial preparation. Slice and store for quick salads, burrito bowls, or quesadilla fillings throughout the week, saving time and adding variety to your meals.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in the Mexican chicken seasoning blend?

The seasoning blend includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a bold, authentic Mexican-style flavor profile that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that there are no pink areas and the meat looks white throughout.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain more moist during cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F.

• What type of skillet works best for cooking this chicken?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best. These types of skillets distribute heat evenly and help create a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Cheesy Mexican Chicken Ingredient List

• Chili Powder: Adds smoky warmth and depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, slightly nutty undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Paprika: Contributes vibrant color and mild sweet-peppery notes.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Introduces subtle, balanced onion flavor without texture.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings exciting, fiery heat for those who enjoy spicy kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing surface and adds subtle Mediterranean richness.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully and provides hearty main course.

• Cheese: Will create creamy, melty topping that complements spicy Mexican-inspired chicken.

Tools for a Rich Chicken Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and creating a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing spices and creating the flavor-packed seasoning blend.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure each spice for consistent and balanced flavor.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling it safely while cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing and resting chicken after cooking.

Cook Chicken With That Cheesy Southwest Finish

• Spice Up the Poultry

Blend together a zesty mix of Mexican-inspired seasonings to transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion. Massage the spice blend thoroughly into both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch gets coated with the aromatic blend.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Gently lay the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, letting them dance and sear until they develop a golden-brown crust. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, watching for a perfect internal temperature of 165F. Once done, let the chicken take a quick rest before serving.

• Create the Creamy Cheese Companion

Whip up a velvety cheese sauce in the same skillet where the chicken just cooked. Capture all those delicious leftover spices and chicken drippings to add extra depth to your sauce. Blend smooth, rich cheese with a touch of cream, stirring until it reaches a luxurious, silky consistency.

• Bring It All Together

Slice the rested chicken and drench it with the luscious cheese sauce. The combination of spicy, tender meat and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Customizing With Salsa or Beans

• Double or triple the spice mix and store in an airtight container for future quick meals, saving precious prep time.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without any guesswork.
• Replace traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make this dish keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate intake.
• Swap cheese sauce with dairy-free cashew cream sauce or nutritional yeast blend for those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.
• Cook extra chicken breasts and slice them for salads, tacos, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week, maximizing your cooking efficiency.

Spicy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings classic comfort to dinner tables across North America. Creamy white queso blends perfectly with tender spiced chicken, creating a quick and satisfying meal for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar, shredded)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, optional)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning mix.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken breasts with the prepared spice blend, massaging thoroughly to ensure complete and even coverage.
3. Skillet Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, allowing them to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
4. Cooking Process: Sizzle the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, carefully monitoring to achieve a perfect internal temperature of 165°F, which guarantees both safety and optimal flavor.
5. Resting Phase: Remove chicken from heat and let it rest momentarily, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness and succulence.

Notes

• Spice Balance Mastery: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for precise flavor control.
• Chicken Cooking Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee exact 165°F internal temperature, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
• Resting Technique Essential: Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps retain internal moisture and develops deeper flavor profiles.
• Oil Temperature Optimization: Ensure skillet is preheated to medium heat, creating ideal searing conditions for golden-brown exterior without burning spices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg