Sizzling Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe for Fiesta Night

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering mexican chicken with cheese sauce delivers pure comfort.

Melted cheese cascades over tender, seasoned chicken in a dance of flavors that sparks excitement.

Each bite promises a burst of zesty spices and creamy richness that satisfies deep hunger.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold Mexican-inspired techniques for an unforgettable meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes a celebration of vibrant, hearty cuisine that draws everyone to the table.

Comfort and flavor merge in this irresistible dish that will have you craving seconds before the first bite is finished.

Copycat Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perks

• Savor Spicy Comfort: A mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that brings bold, zesty flavors right to your dinner table with a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Impress your family and guests with a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this chicken recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Longhorn Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this Mexican-inspired dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese, Green Chilies: A rich and creamy sauce that provides a smooth, tangy, and slightly spicy coating for the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a vibrant final touch to the dish.

Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken Easy

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a sizzling Mexican chicken adventure.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Sear To Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Create a golden crust on each side of the chicken, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Gently move the seared chicken into a baking dish, setting the stage for cheesy deliciousness.

Step 5: Craft The Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese
• Green chilies

Stir over low heat until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety masterpiece.

Step 6: Blanket The Chicken

Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets a creamy coating.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it work its magic for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken will cook through, and the cheese sauce will bubble with excitement.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Your Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce is ready to steal the show!

Tips for Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for achieving a golden-brown crust that locks in chicken's moisture and flavor.
• Grate cheese freshly and add slowly while stirring to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising taste.
• Cook extra chicken and cheese sauce to store separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals within 3-4 days.

Parmesan Chicken Variations to Explore

• Spicy Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, keeping the same spice blend and cheese sauce for a meatless alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, and swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for added richness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese sauce, using almond milk or coconut milk as the liquid base.
• Lighter Wellness Approach: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, incorporate grilled chicken breast, and reduce cheese quantity for a healthier protein-packed meal.

Plating Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Zesty Fiesta Plate: Serve alongside Mexican rice or cilantro-lime quinoa for a complete and vibrant meal that complements the spicy chicken.
• Fresh Garnish Delight: Top with diced fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and extra chopped cilantro to add bright colors and extra layers of flavor.
• Creamy Companion Side: Pair with a cool avocado crema or sour cream to balance the spicy cheese sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Texture Crunch Boost: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top for an added crunch that elevates the dish's texture and brings southwestern flair.

Parmesan Chicken Storage Tricks

• Store leftover Mexican chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring cheese sauce midway to prevent separation.
• Warm chicken in 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Add splash of cream to restore sauce's creamy texture if needed.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese provide the best flavor and melting properties, creating a rich and creamy sauce that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, and can withstand the baking process without drying out.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the green chilies and spices. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies to suit your taste preference.

Mexican Chicken With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce brings fiery southwestern flavors straight to your kitchen, blending traditional ingredients with irresistible zest. Creamy, melted cheese cascades over tender chicken, promising a delicious journey through Mexico’s culinary landscape that you’ll savor with every memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the spiced chicken.
2. Create a robust spice blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, ensuring even placement.
5. Craft a velvety cheese sauce by gently melting shredded cheese with heavy cream and green chilies in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
6. Generously drench the chicken with the prepared cheese sauce, covering each piece completely.
7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches full doneness and the sauce becomes wonderfully bubbly.
8. Add a final flourish of fresh cilantro just before serving, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and using mild or hot green chilies depending on heat preference.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-fat cheese sauce variation.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for more juicy and flavorful meat option that stays tender during baking.
• Enhance dish with additional toppings like diced jalapeños, sliced avocado, or crumbled queso fresco for extra texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 527 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg