Name: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe brings together tender chicken breasts and a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating the perfect dish for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful meals with a little kick. The blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, combined with a hint of chili powder, adds a delicious Mexican twist to a classic comfort food.

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.

Once the cream is simmering, gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Once the chicken is cooked, place it on serving plates and pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes around 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Spicy Chicken: If I want a bit more heat, I’ll add a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

Grilled Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken in the skillet, I can grill the breasts for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, I can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or a hearty vegetable like zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I can store any leftover chicken and cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I’ll place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, I’ll add a little more cream or milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I’ll let it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. If it's still too thin, I can stir in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to help it thicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! I can cook the chicken and make the cheese sauce ahead of time, then store both in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I’ll just reheat everything and pour the cheese sauce over the chicken.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving this Mexican Chicken with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You could also pair it with some tortillas or a side of beans for a complete meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the chicken can be frozen, I recommend freezing the chicken and cheese sauce separately. Once thawed, I’ll reheat them together for the best texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

If I don’t have cheddar or Monterey Jack on hand, I can swap them for any meltable cheese I like, such as mozzarella, Colby, or a Mexican blend.

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is an easy, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part is how customizable it is—I can adjust the spices, swap out ingredients, and make it my own every time!

Recipe:

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, seasoned with chili powder and garlic, delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this quick and easy recipe is full of flavor, with just the right amount of heat to satisfy your taste buds.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Once the chicken is cooked, place it on serving plates and pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.