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Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 73 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, look no further than this Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe. Picture tender grilled chicken breasts layered with spicy chorizo and smothered in a luscious, cheesy sauce — pure magic on a plate!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The smoky chorizo combined with creamy cheese sauce delivers an irresistible punch that will excite your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
Impressive Yet Simple: It looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but the steps are straightforward and approachable.
Customizable Heat Level: With optional jalapeños and cayenne pepper in the sauce, you can tailor the spice to your liking with ease.

Four pieces of cooked chicken lay on a round white plate, each piece topped with a thick layer of light yellow creamy sauce that has small green bits mixed in. Underneath the sauce, there is a layer of reddish-brown crumbly topping on each chicken piece. The chicken is golden brown with a slightly crispy look. The dish is sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs and small pieces of green onion, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a gray striped cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chori Pollo, Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce, quick chorizo chicken dish, cheesy chorizo chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with chorizo

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe comes from simple, well-chosen ingredients that bring distinct layers of flavor and heartwarming texture. Each element plays a role — from juicy grilled chicken, spicy chorizo, to a velvety cheese sauce with a subtle smoky warmth.

Flat lay of four raw chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, peeled garlic cloves, ground chorizo sausage crumbles, cubed white American cheese, fresh cilantro sprigs, sliced fresh jalapenos, and a small pile of smoked paprika and ground cumin spices, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chori Pollo, Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce, quick chorizo chicken dish, cheesy chorizo chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with chorizo
  • Chicken breasts: Pounding them thin ensures quick grilling and tender bites. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
  • Ground chorizo: The star of the topping, giving the dish a spicy, smoky depth. If chorizo isn’t available, spicy Italian sausage can be a decent substitute.
  • White American cheese: This melts beautifully for a smooth sauce; Monterey Jack is a good alternative if you can’t find it.
  • Spices like smoked paprika and cumin: They add a warm complexity, making sure your dish pops with character.
  • Jalapeños: Optional, but fantastic for an extra kick and fresh color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

Start by layering each chicken breast between sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Gently pound them to about ½ to ¾ inch thick using a meat mallet or rolling pin—this ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Set these perfectly flattened breasts aside, ready for seasoning and grilling.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill and Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill to about 400°F and be sure to scrape and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a spritz of grill spray. Place them at an angle on the grill for those gorgeous marks—then let them do their thing without disturbance for 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully once they lift easily, cooking for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Then, rest your grilled beauties on a clean platter.

Step 3: Sauté the Chorizo Mixture

While the chicken rests, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook till softened, about 4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute before adding the ground chorizo along with smoky paprika and cumin. Let everything mingle and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chorizo is nicely browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Silky Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and pour in the milk, starting with 1 cup. Add cubed white American cheese and stir frequently as it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce’s thickness by slowly adding more milk if needed. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and diced jalapeños for a spicy, flavorful finish. Keep warm and stir occasionally.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate those rested grilled chicken breasts, generously heap on the warm chorizo mixture, then drizzle the luscious cheese sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and diced jalapeños if you like to add color and zest. Now get ready to dig into layers of smoky, spicy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

On a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, there is a serving of bright yellow rice with small green herb pieces mixed in, positioned on the right side. To the left of the rice is a smooth brown bean puree topped with a light creamy sauce scattered with chopped green herbs and green onion pieces. On the far left side of the plate, there is a cooked piece of golden-brown chicken with a crispy texture and a creamy light sauce with green herbs generously poured over it. A few sprigs of fresh green cilantro decorate the plate around the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chori Pollo, Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce, quick chorizo chicken dish, cheesy chorizo chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with chorizo

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and diced jalapeños aren’t just pretty — they add vibrant, fresh notes that lighten the richness of the dish while providing a zesty bite. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving also brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside simple sides like cilantro-lime rice or warm tortillas that soak up every bit of cheese sauce. A crisp green salad or grilled veggies add a refreshing contrast and balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in a warm flour tortilla for an epic chori pollo wrap. Or serve everything family-style in a cast iron skillet straight from stove to table for a rustic, inviting presentation that sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the chicken, chorizo, and cheese sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

The chorizo mixture and cheese sauce freeze exceptionally well. Freeze them in separate containers for up to 2 months. Chicken can be frozen too but is best reheated gently to avoid drying out.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or in the oven to keep it moist. Warm the chorizo and cheese sauce on low heat while stirring, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess. Then assemble fresh just like the first day.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe without a grill?

    Absolutely! You can cook the pounded chicken breasts in a hot cast iron skillet or grill pan on the stove. Aim for medium-high heat and cook them until nicely browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  2. What cheese can I use if I can’t find white American cheese?

    Monterey Jack or mild cheddar are great alternatives since they melt smoothly and offer a creamy texture similar to white American cheese. Just cube them for even melting in the sauce.

  3. Is this recipe very spicy?

    This Easy Chori Pollo can be mild or have a nice kick depending on your taste. The cayenne pepper and jalapeño are optional, so you can easily control the heat level to suit your preference.

  4. Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the chorizo topping and cheese sauce a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready. The chicken is best grilled fresh but can be cooked ahead and reheated carefully.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe this Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe will become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers. The combination of smoky, spicy chorizo and cheesy indulgence over juicy grilled chicken creates a dish that’s comforting yet exciting every time you take a bite. Give it a try, invite your loved ones, and get ready for some well-deserved compliments!

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Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

Easy Chori Pollo (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
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Description

Easy Chori Pollo combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with flavorful chorizo sausage and a creamy, spiced white American cheese sauce. This vibrant dish is perfect for those craving a smoky, zesty meal topped with a luscious cheese drizzle, garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapenos for a bit of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Chicken Breasts:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • Wax paper or plastic wrap
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cilantro and diced jalapenos for garnish (optional)

For The Chorizo:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 ounces ground chorizo sausage, casings removed and broken into crumbles
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

For The Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 teaspoons salted butter
  • 1 to 1½ cups milk (start with 1 cup and use the rest to thin as cheese melts)
  • ½ (8 ounces) pound white American cheese, cubed (from the deli, not prepackaged slices)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon diced fresh or jarred jalapenos (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Layer each chicken breast one at a time between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, cast iron skillet, or rolling pin, pound the chicken until it is uniformly ½ to ¾ inch thick. Set aside flattened chicken breasts.
  2. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Clean any debris from your grill grates and oil them well. Heat the grill to about 400°F, making sure it does not exceed this temperature.
  3. Season and Grill the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then spray with a grill spray coating. Place chicken breasts on the grill diagonally relative to the grates. Avoid moving or pressing the chicken for 4-5 minutes to develop grill marks. Flip when the breasts lift easily and cook the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes on a clean platter.
  4. Cook the Chorizo Mixture: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Stir in the ground chorizo, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add 1 cup of milk and then the cubed white American cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese has fully melted. If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more milk to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and jalapenos (if desired). Heat through and adjust milk as needed.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Place grilled chicken breast on a plate, top with a generous layer of the cooked chorizo, then drizzle with the warm cheese sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced jalapenos if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh white American cheese from the deli for the best melting texture and flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapenos according to your preferred spice level.
  • Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling keeps it juicy.
  • Grilling at 400°F ensures proper cooking without charring the chicken.
  • The cheese sauce can be thinned with milk to suit your desired consistency.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
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