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Easy Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

This quick and delicious weeknight dinner features tender chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pan wonder creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and effort.
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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 garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. While the chicken is baking, 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 milk until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in both cheeses until melted and smooth. Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
  7. Remove chicken from oven and pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning. Adjust sauce consistency by adding more milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin. Can be made ahead by prepping seasoning blend and chopping ingredients in advance.