Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

If Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce sounds like the kind of dinner that makes everyone suddenly wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”—you’re in the right place. This is one of those busy-day lifesaver meals that feels a little restaurant-y, but secretly it’s just you + a skillet + a dreamy, cheesy sauce doing most of the heavy lifting.

And yes, it’s totally weeknight-friendly: about 15 minutes of prep and 25–30 minutes of cooking, which means you can pull off a comfort-food moment without turning your evening into a cooking marathon. (Because honestly… who has the energy for that on a Tuesday?)

Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into warm tortillas, or eat it straight from the pan “just to taste” (no judgment), this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is cozy, quick, and guaranteed to make your table a happier place.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• Fast, but feels fancy: It’s ready in about half an hour, yet tastes like something you’d pay for.
• One skillet energy: Less cleanup = more peace.
• Kid- and partner-approved: Mild, creamy, and customizable (you can dial up the spice if your household likes to live dangerously).
• That cheese sauce though: Warm, velvety, tomato-speckled comfort that clings to every bite of chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Mix the spices. In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Season the chicken. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor starts.
3. Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook about 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
4. Set it aside. Remove chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. (Try not to snack on it. Or do. I’m not your boss.)

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the butter. In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. It’ll look like a thick paste—totally normal.
3. Add milk gradually. Slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the good stuff. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melty.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Slice the chicken. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or chunks—whatever feels easiest.
2. Coat in sauce. Return chicken to the skillet and stir until everything is beautifully covered in that cheese sauce.
3. Serve it up. Spoon it over rice, stuff it into tortillas, or pair with your favorite sides.

Serving Ideas That Make Dinner Feel “Put Together”

If you want this meal to look like you planned your life more than you did (same), try one of these:

• Over rice: The sauce soaks in and turns the whole bowl into comfort.
• In tortillas: Add shredded lettuce or avocado for taco vibes.
• With sides: Black beans, corn, sautéed peppers, or even a simple salad to balance the richness.

My Little Real-Life Story With This Recipe

This dish saved me during one of those weeks when my to-do list was longer than my patience. You know the kind: work, errands, laundry mountain, and somehow everyone still expects dinner like you’re running a five-star restaurant from your kitchen.

I made this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce on a night I had zero motivation, and the moment the cheese melted into that creamy, tomato-studded sauce… it felt like the day got a little softer. Plus, everyone ate without complaints, which honestly deserves its own award.

Easy Tips for the Best Results

• Shred your own cheese if you can. Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly shredded melts smoother (and makes the sauce extra creamy).
• Whisk like you mean it. When adding the milk, go slow and keep whisking to avoid lumps.
• Sauce too thick? Add a splash more milk and stir until it loosens up. Think of it as “customizing your comfort.”
• Want more kick? Use the green chilies, add a pinch of cayenne, or top with jalapeños.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them slightly so they cook evenly.

FAQs About Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Bring This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce to Your Table Tonight

This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket after a long day—simple, satisfying, and just a little bit fun. If you’re craving comfort but don’t want a sink full of dishes, Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is your answer. Make it once, and it might just become that “back-pocket” dinner you lean on whenever life gets loud.

And if you end up licking the spoon while stirring the cheese sauce… just know you’re in very good company.

Keep the Cozy Vibes Going

• If you’re in the mood for more cheesy, Mexican-inspired comfort, you’ll probably love Queso Chicken Enchiladas that taste like a restaurant treat—same cozy energy, different (equally irresistible) vibe.
• Want an easy “dump-it-and-done” dinner for the next hectic night? Try Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice for a one-pot, family-friendly win.
• If you’re craving something fresh on the side (or need a lighter lunch tomorrow), bookmark Italian Chickpea Salad for a bright, crunchy, no-fuss bowl.
• And if you love bold flavors that practically cook themselves, don’t miss Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken for zesty tacos, bowls, and meal prep.

If you made this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a star rating (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and a quick review so other readers know what to expect!

Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

---

• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is a cozy, 30-minute skillet dinner with juicy seasoned chicken smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce with tomatoes and optional green chilies. Perfect over rice or tucked into tortillas for an easy weeknight win.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chicken breasts.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Thicken the sauce: Slowly whisk in milk. Cook 3–5 minutes, whisking, until thickened.

5. Add cheese + flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

6. Combine: Slice chicken and return it to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and gently stir to coat.

7. Serve: Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheddar (it melts creamier).

Sauce too thick? Whisk in a splash of milk until it’s just right.

Want more heat? Add green chilies or a pinch of cayenne.

Great serving ideas: rice bowls, taco-style tortillas, or over roasted potatoes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (1/4 recipe)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg