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Ultimate Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheese Sauce: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

This Mexican chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, featuring tender chicken simmered in rich Tex-Mex spices and topped with a velvety cheese sauce. The perfect weeknight dinner transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that satisfies the whole family through careful seasoning and cooking techniques.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season and sear the chicken - Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté vegetables - In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the cheese sauce - Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Combine and finish - Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the cheese sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F. For optimal tenderness, don't overcook the chicken. Adjust sauce consistency with additional milk if too thick. Control heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper amount.