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Spicy Mexican Chicken

Featured in Perfect Poultry Recipes.

This zesty Mexican chicken recipe brings a punch of flavor with its spice blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a hint of cayenne. The chicken is baked until perfectly tender and balanced with a rich, homemade cheese sauce made from a roux base. With its spicy-meets-creamy combo, it’s a versatile option you can serve with your favorite sides like salad, rice, or roasted veggies. Ideal for both fast dinners and meal prepping.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:21:20 GMT
Zesty Mexican Chicken with Creamy Sauce Pin it
Zesty Mexican Chicken with Creamy Sauce | cuisinegenial.com

Juicy chicken breasts coated in authentic Mexican seasonings and topped with a silky homemade cheese sauce. This classic combination creates a satisfying main dish that brings restaurant-style flavors to your kitchen table with straightforward preparation methods.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Fresh boneless breasts, even thickness
  • Cheese: Sharp cheddar, freshly grated
  • Dairy: Heavy cream and unsalted butter
  • Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder
  • Pantry Items: All-purpose flour, paprika

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Pound between plastic wrap to ½-inch thickness. Mix seasonings and coat chicken evenly. Let rest 15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Bake at 375°F on lined baking sheet for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Start the Sauce:
Melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking for 1 minute until golden.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Gradually whisk in warm cream until thickened. Add cheese in small batches, stirring until smooth.
5. Serve:
Rest chicken 5 minutes. Pour warm sauce over chicken and serve immediately.
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Suggested Side Dishes

  • Seasoned Mexican rice
  • Refried or black beans
  • Grilled seasonal vegetables
  • Fresh corn tortillas
  • Sliced ripe avocado
  • Homemade salsa fresca

Storage Guide

Refrigerate chicken and sauce in separate containers for up to 3 days. Reheat sauce slowly on stovetop, adding cream as needed. Warm chicken in 350°F oven until heated through.

Advance Preparation

  • Season chicken night before
  • Prepare cheese sauce 2 days ahead
  • Chop garnishes same day
  • Reheat components separately
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce | cuisinegenial.com
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

This Mexican-style chicken delivers restaurant quality results through simple techniques and quality ingredients. Focus on proper temperatures and timing for best results. Suitable for both casual family meals and special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if I make the cheese sauce ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can gently reheat it with a bit of milk to keep it smooth.
→ How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild to moderate, but you can tone it down by using less cayenne or skipping red pepper flakes.
→ Which cheese works best for the sauce?
Freshly grated sharp cheddar melts smoothly and provides the richest flavor.
→ Can I switch to grilling the chicken?
Definitely! Grill it over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
→ What goes well alongside this chicken?
Pair it with quinoa, rice, salad, or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Mexican Chicken Cheese

Juicy chicken covered in bold spices and paired with a creamy cheddar sauce – perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ For Chicken

01 1½ pounds of chicken breasts, thinly sliced, skinless, and boneless (about 6 pieces)
02 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
04 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika
05 1 teaspoon of onion powder
06 1 teaspoon of chili powder
07 ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, crushed
08 ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
09 A small amount of olive oil
10 ½ teaspoon dried oregano

→ For Cheese Sauce

11 2 tablespoons of butter
12 2 tablespoons of regular flour
13 1 cup of milk
14 ¼ teaspoon of salt
15 1 cup of freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
16 ¼ teaspoon of paprika
17 ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

→ Garnish

18 Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 425° to preheat. Line a big baking tray with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

In a small bowl, throw together all the seasonings for the chicken. Set the breasts on your prepared tray. Pour a bit of olive oil on each piece and rub it all over, front and back. Then take your seasoning mix and coat the chicken on both sides, rubbing it in thoroughly.

Step 03

Pop the chicken into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature gets to 165°.

Step 04

While the chicken is baking, begin working on the sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour until there are no lumps.

Step 05

Gradually pour in the milk as you keep whisking until it’s smooth. Toss in the cheddar cheese, paprika, and cayenne. Keep whisking until everything blends together nicely.

Step 06

Lay the cooked chicken over your favorite grain, pour the cheese sauce on top, and finish with fresh parsley, if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese to get the best melt.
  2. Adjust the heat level to suit your tastebuds.
  3. You can serve this chicken with any grain you like!

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking tray
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • A small saucepan
  • A whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish has dairy in it.
  • Contains gluten/wheat products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 48 g