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Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Recipe with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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🌶️ Enjoy a burst of flavor with this Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice, bringing spicy and savory together in perfect harmony.
🧀 Creamy cheese sauce elevates this dish to comfort food heaven, a must-try for cheese lovers.

  • Total Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs or ~680 grams)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil (for baking or pan coating)

For the Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk (240 ml)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred for better melting texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Combine all chicken seasoning spices in a bowl. If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then rub both sides with the seasoning mix. For grilling or pan-searing, use a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F internally, roughly 6-8 minutes per side or 15-18 minutes total if baking. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

2. Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until it bubbles and forms a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is heated through and smooth, but not boiling. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.

3. Serve: Plate the cooked chicken breasts and generously spoon the warm cheese sauce over them. This dish pairs well with plain or Mexican rice, tortillas, or chips for dipping.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌡️ Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without losing juices. Avoid cutting into the chicken to check doneness.
🫒 Coating chicken with oil before seasoning helps retain moisture, especially when baking.
🧀 Freshly shred the cheddar cheese from a block for a smoother, richer sauce texture compared to pre-shredded options.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15-25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling or Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free options available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 546
  • Sugar: 1 gram
  • Sodium: 1744 mg
  • Fat: 31 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 17 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Protein: 54 grams
  • Cholesterol: 178 mg