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Creamy Cheesy Mexican Chicken Recipe: Easy One-Pan Tex-Mex Dinner

This creamy cheesy Mexican chicken recipe features perfectly seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich homemade cheese sauce with Tex-Mex flair. It's a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.
  3. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cheese sauce over them. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Chicken thickness matters for even cooking; pound thick breasts evenly. Experiment with different cheese combinations - pepper jack adds spice, queso fresco offers authenticity. Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Reheats well for meal prep.