Spicy Grilled Chicken with Homemade Cheddar Sauce Recipe: Sizzling Summer Magic

Summers call for backyard barbecues where spicy grilled chicken with homemade cheddar sauce becomes the star of every gathering.

Sizzling grill marks and bold spices create an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Tender chicken marinated in a blend of zesty seasonings promises a flavor explosion with every bite.

The creamy, sharp cheddar sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside, this chicken delivers a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this crowd-pleasing recipe at your next cookout and watch as plates empty in record time.

How to Cook Spicy Grilled Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Create Fiery Spice Blend

Combine all dry spices in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

The blend will include chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat Chicken with Spice Magic

Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill Pan

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready for cooking.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the pan.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F.

The exterior should develop a beautiful golden-brown crust with delicious char marks.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Start the Cheese Sauce Base

In a medium saucepot, melt butter over medium heat.

Once melted, whisk in flour and cook until the edges start to bubble slightly.

Step 7: Create Smooth Sauce Foundation

Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.

Step 8: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Slowly incorporate the cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and fully blended.

Step 9: Spice Up the Sauce

Stir in additional paprika and cayenne for an extra kick.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the hot, creamy cheese sauce generously over the grilled chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that combines spicy grilled meat with rich, velvety cheese sauce.

Pro Tips for Spicy Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

• Create extra spice mix and store in an airtight container for quick future seasoning of meats.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juiciness.
• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually to prevent clumping and achieve silky-smooth texture.
• Reduce red pepper flakes and cayenne for milder version or increase for extra spicy kick, matching personal heat preference.
• Refrigerate leftover cheese sauce in sealed container and reheat gently, stirring constantly to prevent separation.

Flavor Variations for Cheddar Sauce Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to create a keto-friendly sauce that keeps the rich flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Substitute chili powder with za'atar spice blend and top with Greek yogurt instead of cheese sauce for a lighter Mediterranean-inspired chicken.
• Herb Garden Glow: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley in the spice rub for a more aromatic and garden-fresh chicken preparation.

Serving Ideas for Spicy Grilled Chicken

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on a large wooden board with the cheddar sauce in a small dipping bowl alongside crispy vegetables and warm crusty bread.
• Salad Sensation: Chop the spicy chicken and drizzle with the creamy cheddar sauce over a bed of mixed greens, adding cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra freshness.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Serve the whole chicken breast with the rich cheddar sauce alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Sandwich Delight: Shred the chicken, spread the cheddar sauce on a toasted ciabatta roll, and add crisp lettuce and sliced pickles for a gourmet lunch option.

How to Store Spicy Grilled Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Gently warm sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of milk if sauce appears too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.

FAQs

• What spices are in the chicken seasoning mix?

The seasoning includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper for a bold and complex flavor profile.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I adjust the heat level of the cheddar sauce?

Yes, you can control the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

• What type of cheese works best for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melting consistency for this homemade sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Why Spicy Grilled Chicken with Homemade Cheddar Sauce Rocks

• Spice Up Your Meal: Enjoy a bold, flavor-packed chicken dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering experience with its zesty spice blend and creamy cheddar sauce.
• Master the Grill: Learn a simple technique to cook perfectly juicy chicken breasts with a delicious homemade spice rub that guarantees restaurant-quality results at home.
• Sauce Sensation: Create a rich, velvety cheddar sauce that elevates the grilled chicken, adding a luxurious and comforting touch to your meal with just a few easy steps.
• Quick and Impressive: Whip up a restaurant-worthy dinner in minimal time, making it perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients for Spicy Grilled Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this spicy grilled dish.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Paprika, Cumin: A robust and flavorful mixture that adds depth and heat to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Butter: Provides a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the sauce ingredients.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy flavor to the homemade sauce.
• Paprika, Cayenne: Additional spices that bring extra warmth and complexity to the cheese sauce.

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Homemade Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy grilled chicken with homemade cheddar sauce brings fire and flavor to your dinner table. Melted cheese and zesty spices create a mouthwatering combination that will satisfy cravings and elevate your meal to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cheddar Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
3. Heat a grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating distinct grill marks and ensuring chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Allow grilled chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
5. In a medium saucepot, melt butter over medium heat until fully liquefied and slightly bubbling.
6. Incorporate flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes frothy and develops a light golden color.
7. Slowly stream milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
8. Maintain gentle heat, warming the sauce until it’s hot enough to melt cheese without reaching a boiling point.
9. Gradually add cheese, stirring until the sauce transforms into a creamy, uniform consistency.
10. Enhance the sauce with a touch of paprika and cayenne, adjusting salt to taste for a balanced flavor profile.
11. Drizzle the warm, velvety cheese sauce directly over the spice-crusted grilled chicken before serving.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and cayenne to match personal heat tolerance.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer for precise internal temperature checking.
• Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by maintaining low heat and whisking continuously during cheese incorporation.
• Substitute chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation, keeping spice blend identical for flavor consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg