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Mexican Spiced Chicken

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This Mexican Spiced Chicken combines bold southwestern seasonings with a rich homemade cheese sauce. The chicken is coated in a blend of classic Mexican spices including cumin, chili powder, and paprika, then baked until perfectly tender. What makes this dish special is the contrast between the spicy seasoned chicken and the creamy, sharp cheddar sauce. The sauce starts with a classic roux base but gets extra flavor from cayenne and paprika. It's a versatile dish that works well over rice, quinoa, or any grain, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.
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Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:34:58 GMT
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Pin it
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce | zestplate.com

Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavor right to your dinner table. This recipe combines perfectly spiced chicken with a velvety cheese sauce that's easier to make than you might think.

My journey with this recipe began in my mother's kitchen, where she taught me that the secret to perfect cheese sauce lies in patient whisking and proper temperature control.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Even thickness for consistent cooking
  • Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated for smoothest sauce
  • Quality Butter: Real butter, not margarine
  • Fresh Spices: Check dates for maximum flavor
  • Heavy Cream: Full-fat creates silkiest sauce
  • All-Purpose Flour: For perfect sauce thickening

Detailed Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation:
Begin by patting chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Using a meat mallet, pound chicken to even ½-inch thickness between plastic wrap. This ensures uniform cooking. Mix spices in small bowl: level teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Season chicken generously on both sides with spice mixture.
2. Perfect Seasoning:
Let seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow spices to penetrate meat. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. This rest period also helps chicken cook more evenly.
3. Baking Method:
Place chicken on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F when tested with meat thermometer. Cooking time varies based on thickness, so temperature is your best guide.
4. Cheese Sauce Base:
While chicken bakes, prepare sauce. Melt butter over medium heat until foamy but not brown. Whisk in flour and cook for exactly 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. The roux should be light golden and smell slightly nutty.
5. Sauce Development:
Gradually add warm heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens enough to coat back of spoon - about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low before adding cheese.
6. Cheese Integration:
Add freshly grated cheese in small handfuls, whisking constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding more. This prevents sauce from becoming grainy. For extra depth, add optional pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce. The final sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat chicken generously but still be pourable.
7. Final Assembly:
Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates and spoon warm cheese sauce generously over each piece. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, creating perfect consistency.
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | zestplate.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Mexican rice
  • Black beans
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Warm tortillas
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Pico de gallo

Storage Solutions

Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers up to 3 days. When reheating sauce, warm gently over low heat, whisking occasionally and adding splash of cream if needed to restore consistency. Reheat chicken in 350°F oven until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare components separately for easy assembly:

  • Season chicken up to 24 hours ahead
  • Make cheese sauce up to 2 days ahead
  • Prep garnishes morning of serving
  • Warm sauce gently before serving
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce | zestplate.com
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | zestplate.com

This Mexican chicken with cheese sauce brings together simple ingredients to create a memorable meal. The key lies in proper temperature control and patience during sauce making. Whether served for family dinner or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant quality results in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
Best made fresh, but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to thin if needed.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by reducing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
→ What's the best cheese to use?
Extra sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, and fresh-grated melts better than pre-shredded.
→ Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until done.
→ What sides go well with this?
Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement this dish well.

Mexican Spiced Chicken

Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts topped with creamy cheddar cheese sauce - a quick and flavorful dinner option.

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

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ For Chicken

01 1½ lbs. thin sliced, skinless + boneless chicken breast (about 6 breasts)
02 1 teaspoon chili powder
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
06 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
07 1½ teaspoons paprika
08 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
09 ¼ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 Olive oil

→ For Cheese Sauce

12 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
13 2 tablespoons butter
14 1 cup milk
15 ¼ teaspoon salt
16 ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
17 ¼ teaspoon paprika
18 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

→ Garnish

19 Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Mix together all of your seasonings together for chicken in a small bowl. Place chicken breasts on lined baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over each breast, and rub around on each side. Take your mixed seasonings and sprinkle all over chicken breasts, making sure to rub on each sides.

Step 03

Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or when chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°.

Step 04

While chicken is cooking, make your sauce by melting butter over medium heat in a small sauce pan. When butter is melted, add flour and whisk until smooth.

Step 05

Add in milk slowly, whisking constantly until nice and smooth. Add in your shredded cheese, and whisk constantly until smooth. Add in paprika and cayenne. Mix until well combined.

Step 06

Place chicken over grain of choice, drizzle with cheese sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
  2. Can adjust spice levels to taste
  3. Serve over any grain of choice

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking pan
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

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

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