The Ultimate Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce You’ll Crave

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of this Mexican chicken dish, providing tender, juicy bites. Slice thinly for quick cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, creating a flavorful base. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the liquid foundation for our rich sauce, adding depth and savory notes. Low-sodium broth allows better salt control.
• 1 ½ cups whole milk: Crucial for achieving the creamy consistency of the cheese sauce. Whole milk provides the best richness and body.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds incredible creaminess and tang to the ultimate cheese sauce. Ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The heart of the savory cheese sauce, delivering bold, cheesy flavor. Shred your own for superior melt.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: A foundational aromatic, providing a sweet and savory base to the dish. Dice finely for even flavor distribution.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent, aromatic depth, crucial for authentic Mexican flavor. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference.
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: Adds a fantastic blend of tomato tang and mild spice to the sauce. Don’t drain for extra liquid and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The perfect thickener for our luxurious cheese sauce, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture. Mix with water before adding.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: This essential spice blend defines the classic Mexican chicken flavor. Adjust to your preference for mild or bold.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm aroma and deep, authentic flavor to the savory spices. Don’t skip this key ingredient.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish, making everything pop. Adjust to your taste after tasting.
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a bright, fresh herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness. Add just before serving for best flavor.
• Lime wedges, for serving: Offers a burst of bright, zesty acidity, perfectly complementing the rich Mexican chicken with cheese sauce. Serve alongside!

How to Make Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Prep Ingredients:

Dice the onion and mince garlic. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces; this helps it cook evenly. Shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time for smoother melting later.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic!

Simmer Chicken:

Add chicken pieces to the skillet with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Create Sauce:

Whisk cornstarch with a splash of milk to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering chicken mixture. Gradually add remaining milk, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, stirring until the rich cheese sauce is smooth.

Finish Cooking:

Continue to gently simmer your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. The chicken should be perfectly tender and coated.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove from heat. Stir in fresh cilantro, then serve your delicious Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce immediately. Offer lime wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy finish to this satisfying meal.

How to Store Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

To store leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, transfer it to an **airtight** container and **refrigerate** promptly. It will stay **fresh** for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out on the counter too long, or it’ll spoil quickly – I learned that the hard way! Discard if you notice any off smells. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

For meal prep, you can dice the chicken, onion, and garlic, and shred the cheese up to a day in advance. Keep these components separately in the **refrigerator** until you’re ready to combine and cook, ensuring a smooth dinner execution.

What to Serve with Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

To serve your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce, simply scoop generous portions onto plates. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. This dish is perfect served warm, right off the stove. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or even a crisp green salad, allowing everyone to enjoy.

I love to serve this over warm flour tortillas or in a hearty rice bowl. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly coats every bite, making it an incredibly satisfying meal to enjoy with family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute different cheeses in The Ultimate Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce?

Yes, you can! While sharp cheddar is best, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend work well. I’ve tried others, but some don’t melt as smoothly, leading to a less satisfying sauce. Stick to good melting cheeses for success.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy cheese sauce for my Mexican Chicken?

To prevent a lumpy sauce, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened and use freshly shredded cheddar. A pro tip is to temper the softened cream cheese with warm milk first; the difference in smoothness is amazing and prevents lumps.

→ How long can I store leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce in the refrigerator?

You can store leftover Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I learned that leaving it out too long makes it spoil quickly. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

→ Can I make this Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce ahead of time or freeze it?

You can prep components like dicing chicken, onion, and shredding cheese a day ahead. Freezing the finished dish isn’t ideal as the cheese sauce can separate upon reheating, becoming grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

→ How do I scale this recipe to make more or fewer servings?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe. For more servings, simply double all ingredients. For fewer, halve them. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume for even cooking and a delicious result.