Description
This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender, flavorful grilled chicken breasts seasoned with an aromatic blend of Mexican spices, topped with a rich and creamy extra sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with plain or Mexican rice and doubles as a tasty chip dip.
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, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove from grill and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly bubbling and fragrant, forming a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, allowing the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper for added flavor and a slight kick. Taste and season with additional salt if necessary.
- Serve: Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over the grilled chicken breasts and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with plain rice or our Perfect Mexican Rice for a complete meal.
- The cheese sauce also serves as a delicious dip for chips, making it a versatile addition to your table.
