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Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce, a delectable and cheesy chicken dish, is featured in this image.

Amazing Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce

This Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that's easy to make. It combines savory chicken, zesty spices, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack blend
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Diced avocado, for garnish
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • Stirring spoon
  • Broiler (optional)
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly tender.
  4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply add to the skillet.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices. Let the spices bloom for a minute or two.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes and green chilies and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.
  7. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in about half of the shredded cheese. Once the cheese is melted, top the chicken with the remaining cheese.
  9. Pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese, or simply cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, some diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Spice it up with cayenne pepper or jalapeƱos. Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with black beans, corn, and sweet potatoes. Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients. Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet.