There’s nothing quite like the rich, spicy aroma of Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce filling your kitchen. This dish perfectly balances tender, seasoned chicken with a creamy, velvety cheese sauce that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

I first discovered this recipe during a trip to a small town in Mexico, where a local chef taught me how to create the perfect cheese sauce. It’s since become a household favorite – a quick, easy, and irresistible dinner that’s always a hit. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish belongs in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Get ready to fall head over heels for this bold and flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
First off, it’s packed with flavor. The perfectly seasoned chicken combined with the creamy cheese sauce creates a symphony of taste in every bite. With spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, this dish has just the right amount of kick.
It’s also surprisingly quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but delicious.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, pair it with tortillas, or even spoon it over a bed of roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
Finally, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Using simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home without breaking the bank.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about the magic ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy when seasoned and cooked properly. You could also use thighs for a richer flavor.
Cheese: The sauce gets its creamy texture from shredded Monterey Jack cheese. It melts beautifully and has just the right balance of mildness and tang. If you like a sharper flavor, consider blending in some shredded cheddar.
Spices: A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder gives the chicken its signature Mexican-inspired flavor. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the cheese sauce, creating a luscious, smooth consistency. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth to the cheese sauce and ensures it’s not overly thick. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice elevate the dish with vibrant flavors and colors.
Make sure to have a large skillet and a whisk on hand to ensure a perfectly smooth sauce.
How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken generously with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth. Whisk to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Serve immediately over rice, with tortillas, or alongside a fresh green salad. Total time? Just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken and cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it to suit your tastes:
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
- Make it smoky: Swap paprika for smoked paprika to add a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Low-carb option: Serve the chicken and cheese sauce over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Cheese swap: Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
The possibilities are endless – don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Ready to wow your family with this delicious Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce? With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and quick preparation, it’s destined to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Let me know how you customize it – I’d love to hear your creative twists!
PrintMexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with bold Mexican spices and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Serve it with rice, beans, or tortillas for a complete meal the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Optional: Add finely chopped jalapeño for extra spice.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the cheese sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili powder and jalapeño.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time if needed.
- Cheese sauce can be thickened by simmering longer or adding more cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
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