There’s nothing quite like a plate of juicy, spice-rubbed chicken smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is one of those meals that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re craving something bold and flavorful for a weeknight dinner or planning a Tex-Mex-inspired meal for friends and family, this dish delivers on all fronts.

The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other warm spices that give it a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Then, it’s grilled to juicy perfection and topped with a homemade cheddar cheese sauce that’s smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of indulgent. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and flavorful – The spice blend adds depth and heat to the chicken, while the cheese sauce provides a creamy balance.
Easy to make – No complicated ingredients or techniques here—just a few simple steps to get dinner on the table.
Versatile – Serve it with your favorite sides, or even shred the chicken for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Now, let’s get into the details of making this amazing dish!

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The key to flavorful chicken is in the seasoning, and this spice mix is packed with warm, smoky flavors that will make every bite delicious.

Ingredients for the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Season the Chicken

Make the spice blend – In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This combination gives the chicken that bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
Season the chicken – Sprinkle the spice mix evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in well to make sure the flavors really soak in. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you heat up your grill or skillet.

How to Cook the Chicken

Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This method gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor and those beautiful grill marks.
Skillet Method: If you’re cooking indoors, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil, and cook the chicken for the same 6-8 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them slightly to even out the thickness for more even cooking.

Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and juicy.

Step 2: Making the Perfect Cheese Sauce

Now that your chicken is beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, it’s time for the star of the show—the rich, creamy cheese sauce. This sauce is everything you want in a Tex-Mex dish: smooth, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. Best of all, it comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

How to Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid.
Whisk in the flour – Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth, thick base for the sauce.
Slowly add the milk – Pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
Melt the cheese – Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.
Season and adjust – Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more cayenne or even a dash of hot sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheese Sauce:

Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own cheese results in a much smoother consistency.
Keep the heat low – If the sauce gets too hot, the cheese can break down and become clumpy. Low and slow is the way to go!
Thin it out if needed – If your sauce is too thick, just add a splash of milk and whisk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Now that both the chicken and cheese sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your meal!

How to Serve Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce:

Plate the chicken – Place the grilled chicken breasts on a serving platter or individual plates.
Drizzle (or smother) with cheese sauce – Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over the chicken, making sure each piece is covered in that creamy goodness.
Add your favorite sides – This dish pairs well with:
- Mexican rice – A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Roasted vegetables – Try bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra color and flavor.
- Tortillas – Warm flour or corn tortillas make this meal feel even more Tex-Mex inspired.
- Black beans or refried beans – A hearty, protein-packed side that complements the flavors of the dish.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ons:

Add heat – For extra spice, stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
Make it smoky – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Try different cheeses – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a mix of both for a different flavor profile.
Make it a casserole – Slice the cooked chicken, place it in a baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over it, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.

This dish is already packed with flavor, but these little tweaks let you customize it to your personal taste.