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Spiced Chicken Cheese

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This chicken packs a punch of spicy southwestern flavors, paired perfectly with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The seasoning mix uses staples like paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Chicken is baked to juicy perfection, while the sauce is a smooth roux-based blend enhanced with cayenne and paprika. Serve over grains or veggies. Great for busy nights or prepping meals ahead!
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Updated on Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:05:18 GMT
Spicy Chicken with Creamy Sauce Pin it
Spicy Chicken with Creamy Sauce | chefmelt.com

Juicy, well-flavored chicken breasts covered in a creamy, made-from-scratch cheese topping deliver authentic Mexican tastes straight to your home cooking. This dish pairs nicely spiced chicken with a smooth cheese topping that's actually quite simple to whip up.

I first learned about this dish in my mom's cooking space, where she showed me that making perfect cheese sauce needs slow, steady stirring and watching the heat carefully.

Key Components

  • Chicken Breasts: Pounded flat for even cooking time
  • Sharp Cheddar: Grate it yourself for best melting
  • Real Butter: Skip substitutes for best results
  • Bright Spices: Make sure they're not old or stale
  • Heavy Cream: Don't use low-fat versions here
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps your sauce get thick

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

1. Getting Chicken Ready:
Start by completely drying the chicken with paper towels. Grab your meat pounder and flatten chicken to about ½-inch thick between some plastic wrap. This helps it cook the same all over. In a small dish, mix your seasonings: equal parts of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Cover both sides of chicken with this spice blend.
2. Letting Flavors Sink In:
Give your chicken about 15 minutes to sit out with the spices on it. During this time, turn your oven on to 375°F and put parchment on a big baking tray. Letting the chicken warm up a bit also makes for better cooking.
3. Cooking Method:
Put your chicken pieces on the tray with some room between them. Cook for about 15-18 minutes until the center hits 165°F on a meat thermometer. The cooking time changes based on how thick your chicken is, so always check the temperature.
4. Starting The Sauce:
While the chicken's in the oven, get working on your sauce. Melt some butter over medium heat till it's bubbly but not turning brown. Add flour while stirring and cook for just 1 minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. It should look light golden and smell a bit nutty.
5. Building The Sauce:
Slowly pour in warmed heavy cream while stirring all the time to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce gets thick enough to stick to your spoon – about 3-5 minutes. Turn the heat down before you add cheese.
6. Adding The Cheese:
Drop in small amounts of your freshly grated cheese, stirring until each bit melts completely before adding more. This keeps your sauce smooth. If you want some kick, throw in a tiny bit of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce. The finished sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat the chicken well but still easy to pour.
7. Putting It All Together:
Take chicken out and let it sit for 5 minutes. Move pieces to plates and pour your warm cheese sauce over each one. The sauce will get a bit thicker as it cools down to just the right thickness.
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | chefmelt.com

Tasty Side Dish Ideas

  • Roasted vegetables
  • Black beans
  • Mexican rice
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Warm tortillas
  • Pico de gallo

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Keep the chicken and sauce in different containers for up to 3 days. When you want to use the sauce again, warm it slowly on low heat, stirring now and then and maybe adding a bit of cream if it's too thick. For the chicken, warm it in a 350°F oven until it's hot all the way through.

Prep Ahead Strategies

Get parts ready ahead for quick cooking later:

  • Get garnishes ready the morning you'll serve
  • Make cheese sauce up to 2 days early
  • Season chicken up to 24 hours before cooking
  • Heat sauce gently right before serving
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce | chefmelt.com
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Easy Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe | chefmelt.com

This Mexican chicken with cheese sauce takes basic items and turns them into something special. The secret is watching your temperatures and not rushing the sauce. It's great for family meals or when you want to impress friends with homemade food that tastes like it's from a restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the sauce early?
It’s best fresh, but reheating gently with a little milk works fine.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
It has some heat, but you can tone it down by skipping the cayenne.
→ What cheese works best?
Go for extra sharp cheddar. Grating it fresh makes it melt the smoothest.
→ Is grilling an option for the chicken?
Sure—medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side should do it.
→ What sides match this dish?
Pair it with rice, quinoa, veggie sides, or even a crisp salad.

Spiced Chicken Cheese

Tender chicken with bold spices covered in a smooth cheddar sauce. A fast and delicious meal for your table.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ Chicken Prep

01 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
02 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 Olive oil
07 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
08 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (you'll need about 6)
09 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 1 teaspoon onion powder

→ Cheese Sauce Mix

12 2 tablespoons plain flour
13 1/4 teaspoon paprika
14 2 tablespoons butter
15 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 1/4 teaspoon salt
17 Freshly shredded sharp cheddar (1 cup)
18 1 cup milk

→ Topping

19 Cilantro or parsley, freshly chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 425°F to preheat. Cover a big baking sheet using foil or parchment paper.

Step 02

Stir together all chicken seasonings in a small dish. Lay out chicken breasts on the baking sheet and pour olive oil over each one. Rub the oil over both sides. Take your spice mix, sprinkle it over the pieces, and rub it in thoroughly.

Step 03

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and let the chicken cook for around 15-18 minutes. Make sure the internal temp hits 165°F.

Step 04

While the chicken's in the oven, grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk until smooth.

Step 05

Slowly pour milk into the pan, whisking the whole time, until smooth. Toss in your shredded cheese, stir consistently until creamy, then add cayenne and paprika. Blend it until everything's mixed.

Step 06

Layer your cooked chicken on your favorite grain, pour cheese sauce on top, and toss some fresh parsley over if you like.

Notes

  1. Freshly shred the cheese yourself—it melts better that way.
  2. Feel free to tweak the spice levels if desired.
  3. Pick any grain you prefer to serve underneath.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big baking tray
  • Foil or parchment
  • Small pot
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy is included
  • Contains gluten/wheat ingredients

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 48 g