Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Emily
Tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, mildly spicy Mexican cheese sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight chicken dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal
Large skillet
Whisk
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups whole milk
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- lime wedges for serving
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season on both sides with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux; cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then add a pinch of salt and the cayenne pepper; simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the cheese sauce over the top, and warm briefly over low heat before serving with cilantro and lime wedges.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Adjust cayenne to control heat level for your family.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Keyword Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce