Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender grilled chicken breasts seasoned with flavorful spices and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, it combines smoky, spicy notes with creamy cheese for a delicious, family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded (do not use pre-shredded bags)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Mix together all the spices including chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it starts to bubble, creating a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, approximately 3-5 minutes. Check the temperature; it should be hot enough to melt cheese but not boiling.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in shredded cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Serve immediately for a hot, cheesy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of lime juice or chopped fresh cilantro when serving.
- If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
