Description
This easy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with warm spices and baked in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a south-of-the-border twist.
Ingredients
Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
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¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Cheese Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup milk
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
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Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub onto chicken.
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Sear chicken in olive oil 3–4 min per side until browned.
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Transfer to baking dish.
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In same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until golden.
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Slowly add milk, whisking until thick.
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Add cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
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Pour cheese sauce over chicken and sprinkle Mexican blend cheese on top.
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Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
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Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and taste.
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To make it spicier, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
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Great served with rice, tortillas, or avocado salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g