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Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 29 reviews

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken strips are seasoned with a blend of spices, then smothered in a rich cheese sauce with a hint of jalapeño for a touch of heat. Serve this delicious chicken with rice, tortillas, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small jalapeño, optional, finely diced
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in cream cheese and milk, whisking until smooth. Add shredded cheddar and jalapeño, and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheese sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot with rice, tortillas, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese or add chipotle powder.
  • This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.

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