IRRESISTIBLE MEXICAN CHICKEN

Craving a fiesta of flavors that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying? Forget bland weeknight dinners; this Mexican Chicken recipe is your ticket to a vibrant and delicious meal, bursting with zesty spices and cheesy goodness. Get ready to create a dish that will have everyone begging for seconds, I promise!

The Magic Behind This Mexican Chicken

Let’s be honest, we all need more Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes in our lives. This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a complete experience. The combination of tender chicken, bold Mexican spices, and a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over rice, in tacos, or even as a topping for nachos.

One of the things I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. Don’t have all the exact spices on hand? No problem! A little chili powder, cumin, and oregano will get you pretty darn close. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. I always say, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on the list; you can always make substitutions based on what you have in your pantry. But trust me, the closer you stick to the recipe, the more amazing your Mexican Chicken will be!

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch of Mexican Chicken in no time. Don’t be intimidated by the cheese sauce; I’ll walk you through it. Even if you’ve never made a Cheese Sauce Recipe before, you can totally nail this!

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
4. Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, and jalapeños.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mexican Chicken

Want to take your Mexican Chicken to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When cooking the chicken, make sure to leave enough space between the pieces. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Use a good quality cheese: The flavor of your cheese sauce will depend on the quality of the cheese you use. Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
• Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the chicken and sauce and heat through.

Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities

The best part about this Mexican Chicken recipe is its versatility. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over rice: Serve the Mexican Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• In tacos: Spoon the chicken into warm tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings.
• On nachos: Pile tortilla chips high with the Mexican Chicken and cheese sauce, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• In a burrito bowl: Create a delicious and healthy burrito bowl by layering rice, beans, Mexican Chicken, and your favorite toppings in a bowl.
• As a filling for enchiladas: Use the Mexican Chicken as a filling for Ground Beef Enchiladas or Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe works wonders in Chicken Enchiladas, too!

Variations: Spice It Up!

Feeling creative? Here are some fun variations to try with your Mexican Chicken:

• Add vegetables: Sauté some onions, bell peppers, and corn with the chicken for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use a different protein: You can easily substitute the chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a creamy and flavorful twist.
• Try a different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

In the world of Abendessen Rezepte, this Mexican Chicken stands out. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to deliver. And with all the possible variations, you can customize it to suit your own tastes and preferences. I guarantee this will become one of your favorite Chicken Dishes Recipes.

Consider trying it served as a topping for Chicken Enchilada Bowls. If you’re looking for something equally delicious, check out the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe or maybe the Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

So there you have it! My foolproof recipe for Mexican Chicken that will become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe is so simple and delicious, it’s practically a guaranteed win! So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a meal that will make you feel like a true culinary rockstar. Enjoy!

Irresistible Mexican Chicken

Alice Yowell

This Mexican Chicken recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken is combined with bold Mexican spices and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a versatile meal that can be served over rice, in tacos, or on nachos.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro
• Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes
• Optional toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Optional toppings: Sliced avocado
• Optional toppings: Jalapeños

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
• Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
• Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, and jalapeños.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Use good quality, freshly shredded cheese for the cheese sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Serve over rice, in tacos, on nachos, or in burrito bowls. Add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and corn. Substitute the chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans. Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a creamy twist. Experiment with different types of cheese.