Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy, spicy cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with plain or Mexican rice.
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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure they are fully flavored.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), signaling they are fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble slightly, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Heat the mixture until hot but not boiling.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Slowly whisk in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper for added flavor and a mild kick. Taste and add salt if necessary to balance the seasoning.
- Serve: Pour the creamy cheese sauce generously over the grilled chicken breasts. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by plain or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with plain rice or our Perfect Mexican Rice for a classic Mexican-inspired meal.
- The cheese sauce doubles as a delicious dip for tortilla chips, making it a versatile addition to your appetizer lineup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
