Craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce delivers all that and more. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are seared and baked to perfection, then smothered in a rich, velvety homemade cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is a bold and cozy take on classic baked chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with a south-of-the-border twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to prepared baking dish. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in milk and stir until the sauce thickens.
Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Dish:
Pour the cheese sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. - Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Mexican rice or quinoa
- Warm tortillas or roasted corn
- A light avocado salad or sautéed peppers
- Finish with churros or flan for a complete Mexican-inspired meal!
Conclusion
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. It’s warm, comforting, and filled with bold flavors, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but effortless. Customizable, family-friendly, and full of cheesy goodness—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.