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Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheese Sauce - Easy Weeknight Dinner

This one-pan Mexican chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes with tender chicken breasts seasoned with authentic Tex-Mex spices and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It's the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. While the chicken bakes, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and creamy.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

For perfect sauce consistency: simmer longer for thicker sauce, add more broth for thinner sauce. Adjust heat level with chili powder and optional jalapeño. Can prepare spice rub and cheese sauce mixture ahead of time and store separately for up to 2 days.