Name: Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups milk; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that brings a fiesta of flavors right to your dinner table, the Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that’s bursting with just the right amount of heat and smoky paprika. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, this recipe is a celebration of vibrant Mexican spices paired with the comfort of a rich cheese topping—you’re about to discover a new weeknight favorite that’s as simple as it is sensational.

Three pieces of golden brown cooked chicken lie side by side on a white plate, each covered with a thick layer of smooth, bright orange sauce. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered over the chicken and sauce, with small bits of red tomato adding a pop of color around the edges. In the background, there are wedges of lime with their bright green rind visible. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering dish. Each element plays a unique role, from adding bold spice and warmth to creating that silky cheese sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a rich, smoky heat foundational to Mexican flavor profiles.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow pungency that complements the spices perfectly.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers subtle sweetness and depth to the spice rub.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Injects a spicy kick that awakens your taste buds.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Imparts herbal freshness that balances the heat.
2 teaspoons paprika: Enhances color and adds a mild earthiness to the rub and sauce.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin: Brings warmth and a nutty aroma essential in Mexican cuisine.
Butter and flour: These form the base of your creamy cheese sauce.
Milk: Gradually added to create a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
Cheddar cheese: The star of the cheese sauce, melting into creamy goodness with a tangy bite.
Cayenne pepper and salt: Added to the sauce to brighten flavors and enhance seasoning.

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

First things first, whisk together your chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant blend is your flavor powerhouse—rubbing it all over the chicken breasts ensures every bite is infused with that irresistible Mexican zest.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in the Pressure Cooker

Place the spice-coated chicken breasts flat in your pressure cooker. Laying them evenly is key to ensure each piece cooks consistently. Seal the lid securely and adjust the valve to the pressure cooking position to get things rolling.

Step 3: Cook Under Pressure

Set your pressure cooker to high and let it work its magic for about 10 minutes. Once the timer’s up, allow a natural pressure release for another 10 minutes—this slow release is a game-changer, sealing in juices and making the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your chicken is coming to tender perfection, melt some butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook gently until it’s smooth and bubbling—that’s your roux forming the creamy base. Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Spices to Sauce

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, then season with cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully into a luscious, creamy sauce that’s just the right balance of spicy and savory—a true delight!

Step 6: Serve with Cheese Sauce

After a quick release of any remaining pressure, your chicken is perfectly cooked. Spoon that delectable cheese sauce over the breasts either right in the pot or plated individually. Voila! You have dinner ready that’s both satisfying and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

The dish shows two thick, light golden cooked pieces of meat at the bottom, covered by a melted mix of yellow and white cheese that creates a smooth, shiny layer. On top of the cheese, there are small diced red tomatoes and chopped green herbs sprinkled, adding bright red and green colors against the creamy cheese. The meat sits in a light orange creamy sauce that surrounds the bottom of both pieces in a round black pan. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions adds a burst of color and fresh herbal zing that lifts the dish beautifully. A few slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of sour cream can add extra creaminess and balance to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy Mexican rice, charred corn on the cob, or warm tortillas for scooping up every last cheesy bite. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette adds freshness and a textural contrast that complements the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering shredded chicken from the breasts into tostadas topped with the cheese sauce and fresh salsa for a fun twist. Alternatively, slice the chicken and serve it on soft flour tortillas with the cheese sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will continue to soak up flavors, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and cheese sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Warm the cheese sauce separately on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep it silky smooth, then combine before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, offering a slightly richer flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheese sauce. Adjust cooking times accordingly if they are bone-in.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can bake the spice-rubbed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, then proceed with the cheese sauce as directed.

What type of cheese works best for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar cheese creates a fantastic creamy and flavorful sauce, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different tastes and textures.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice to your liking by reducing or increasing those ingredients or omitting cayenne in the sauce.

Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheese sauce in advance and gently reheat it when ready to serve, giving it a good stir to restore its smooth texture before pouring over the chicken.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely can’t go wrong with this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe! It’s such a joyful combination of vibrant spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and become a beloved classic in your cooking rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful bite!