Zesty Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe for Taco Night

Creamy mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Melted cheese blankets tender, juicy meat in a delightful embrace.

Spices dance across each bite, creating a symphony of flavor.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this recipe comes together.

Grab your skillet and let’s make magic happen!

Tasty Pairings For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Pair Fresh Margaritas to Complement Spicy Chicken Flavors
• Shake up classic margaritas with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to match the dish's zesty Mexican-inspired profile. The cocktail's citrusy brightness perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
• Serve Mexican Street Corn as a Vibrant Side Dish
• Grill corn on the cob, slather with mayonnaise, sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro to echo the main dish's seasonings. This traditional side adds texture and reinforces the Mexican culinary theme.

How To Store Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Your Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce FAQ

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. They have more fat content, which can make the meat slightly more tender. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer the seared chicken and sauce to a baking dish before putting it in the oven. Make sure the dish can withstand high temperatures and is similar in size to the original skillet.

Why Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Is So Creamy

• Spice Up Your Meal: Transform ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed dish bursting with Mexican-inspired seasonings that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Quick and Versatile Cooking: Master a one-skillet technique that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a creamy, cheesy chicken experience that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed winner for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate a restaurant-style meal with professional techniques like searing and baking, allowing home cooks to elevate their culinary skills without complex methods.

What You’ll Need For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein for this flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.

• Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A robust spice blend that creates a bold and savory coating for the chicken.
• Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones to the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Garlic Cloves: Releases aromatic essence to enhance the depth of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the cooking process.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce base.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Adds a creamy, melty topping that complements the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy note to balance the rich sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a final burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Easy Steps To Make Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, prepping for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Spice Magic

Whip together chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, crafting a zesty seasoning blend.

Step 3: Prep The Chicken

Grab paper towels and give those chicken breasts a thorough pat-down, ensuring they’re bone-dry and ready to soak up flavor.

Step 4: Massage In The Seasonings

Lavish the chicken with the spice mixture, rubbing it into every nook and cranny for maximum taste.

Step 5: Sizzle And Sear

Pour olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the chicken and sear until each side turns a gorgeous golden-brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Garlic Crush

Finely mince garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic power.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Scrape up those delicious browned bits for an extra flavor kick.

Step 8: Spice Bloom

Sprinkle ground cumin into the sauce, letting its warm essence dance through the creamy mixture.

Step 9: Cheese It

Shower the chicken with a blanket of shredded Mexican cheese blend, creating a melty masterpiece.

Step 10: Oven Magic

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F internally.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

Pull the skillet out and let the chicken chill for 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and the cheese get perfectly set.

Step 12: Bright Finish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, adding a zippy citrus punch.

Step 13: Green Finale

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Step 14: Serve And Devour

Plate up this Mexican-inspired chicken masterpiece immediately and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Tips For Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help seasonings stick and promote even, crispy browning.
• Sear for Succulence: Create a golden crust by searing chicken in hot oil, which locks in juices and develops rich flavor layers.
• Spice Bloom Technique: Add ground cumin to hot pan to release its aromatic oils, intensifying the sauce's depth and complexity.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Sprinkle cheese evenly and let it melt naturally in the oven's residual heat for a smooth, luxurious coating.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, ensuring juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and moisture.

Fun Twists On Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce

• Gluten-Free Southwest Chicken: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like corn-based seasonings and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Spicy Chicken Skillet: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and reduce cheese quantity to create a keto-friendly version with similar flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Chicken: Substitute heavy cream and cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a plant-based friendly adaptation that maintains rich, creamy textures.
• Herb-Infused Protein Variation: Experiment with alternative herb combinations like oregano, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to create unique regional flavor interpretations while maintaining core cooking techniques.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken drowns in a creamy, rich cheese sauce that promises pure comfort and flavor. Spicy, melted goodness brings delightful warmth to your plate, delivering an authentic culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
2. Combine chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, forming a robust seasoning blend for the chicken breasts.
3. Thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and even cooking.
4. Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to sear the chicken to lock in its juices.
6. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops, creating a delectable exterior.
7. Mince the garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic essence for the upcoming sauce preparation.
8. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance the sauce’s depth.
9. Stir in ground cumin, allowing the spice to bloom and infuse the creamy sauce with warm, earthy undertones.
10. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chicken, creating a luxurious blanket of melting goodness.
11. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
12. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set.
13. Drizzle fresh lime juice over the chicken, adding a bright, citrusy note to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, providing a final burst of color and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
15. Serve immediately, presenting a perfectly cooked Mexican-inspired chicken with a velvety cheese sauce.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, well-adhered spices that create a flavorful exterior.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower-fat and dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy sauce consistency.
• Fresh lime juice and cilantro are essential for cutting through the rich cheese sauce, balancing the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg