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

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 102 reviews

If you’re craving a spectacular blend of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors all in one dish, you’ll love this Easy Chori Pollo Recipe (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe. Tender grilled chicken breasts layered with spicy chorizo and smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce — it’s comfort food elevated to a downright celebration on your plate.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Bold flavors that satisfy: The combination of smoky chorizo, perfectly grilled chicken, and a luscious cheese sauce creates a mouthwatering symphony of taste.
Quick and easy preparation: You don’t have to be a kitchen pro to whip this up — it’s straightforward but impressive.
Great for gatherings: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or small party, this dish dazzles without fuss.
Customizable heat and spice: Want it milder or spicier? Adjust jalapeños and cayenne pepper to suit your mood and guests!

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left, a piece of golden-brown cooked meat topped with a creamy light yellow sauce sprinkled with chopped green onions and small herbs; in the middle right, there is a mound of bright yellow rice with a slightly rough texture and some green herb bits mixed in; at the bottom right, a smooth brown bean mixture spread in a thick layer, with some light yellow sauce drizzled over it, also sprinkled with green onions and herbs. Fresh cilantro sprigs decorate the edges of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chori Pollo, Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce, smoky chorizo chicken, cheesy chicken chorizo dish, quick chori pollo recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that bring the dish together perfectly. Each component plays a crucial role — juicy chicken breasts provide a tender base, smoky chorizo injects spice and depth, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything into a rich, irresistible bite.

Flat lay of raw chicken breasts neatly arranged beside crumbled spicy chorizo sausage mixed with diced onions and minced garlic, scattered smoked paprika and cumin powders adding warm colors, cubes of white American cheese ready to melt, fresh green cilantro leaves and bright diced jalapenos adding vibrant pops of color, all 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, smoky chorizo chicken, cheesy chicken chorizo dish, quick chori pollo recipe
  • Chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures quick, uniform grilling and juicy results.
  • Ground chorizo: This cured sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick, but feel free to swap with spicy sausage if chorizo is unavailable.
  • White American cheese: Melts beautifully for a smooth, creamy sauce; you can substitute with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for a twist.
  • Smoked paprika and cumin: These spices build warm, earthy undertones that complement both chicken and chorizo.
  • Jalapeños: Fresh or jarred, they bring vibrant heat and color — optional but highly recommended!
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 Recipe (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe

Step 1: Flatten and Prepare the Chicken

Start by layering each chicken breast between sheets of wax or plastic wrap. Gently pound them until about half to three-quarters of an inch thick — this evens out cooking and keeps the chicken tender. Set them aside while you fire up your grill to about 400 degrees for the perfect sear.

Step 2: Season and Grill the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper, then give both sides a light mist of grill spray to prevent sticking. Place them at an angle on the hot grill, letting the magic of the heat create those gorgeous, restaurant-worthy char marks. Resist the urge to move or press them — patience is key! Flip once the chicken lifts easily, then cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 3: Cook the Chorizo Mixture

While the chicken rests, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions until softened, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the chorizo along with smoky paprika and cumin, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks evenly for 5 to 7 minutes before setting aside the flavorful, spicy meat.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Gently melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then slowly add milk and cubes of white American cheese, stirring constantly. This slow loving process allows the cheese to melt into a silky sauce. Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne and jalapeños to amp up the flavor. Adjust thickness with more milk to achieve that perfect drizzle consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place each grilled chicken breast on a plate, heap on a generous spoonful of the spicy chorizo, and lavish it all with that creamy cheese sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and diced jalapeños for a burst of freshness and heat. Get ready for a bite that’s pure comfort and celebration!

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

The dish shows two pieces of cooked chicken on a white plate. Each piece has three layers: the bottom one is the light brown cooked chicken with a slightly crispy texture, the middle layer is a thick dark red sauce spread evenly, and the top layer is a creamy light yellow cheese sauce with small green herbs mixed inside. The sauce covers most of the chicken and is decorated with small slices of bright green onions sprinkled on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with blurred green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chori Pollo, Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce, smoky chorizo chicken, cheesy chicken chorizo dish, quick chori pollo recipe

Garnishes

For that extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro and diced jalapeños right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the rich flavors, balancing the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, light sides — think fluffy Mexican rice, charred corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For something heartier, warm tortillas or black beans make excellent companions, turning it into a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style on a large platter for a cozy group dinner, letting everyone build their own plates. Alternatively, turn it into loaded tacos by chopping the chicken and topping corn tortillas with chorizo and cheese sauce for handheld delight. Garnish with avocado slices or pickled onions for an added twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover grilled chicken, chorizo, and cheese sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps maintain their best texture and flavor when reheating.

Freezing

The chorizo mixture freezes well in a sealed container for up to 2 months. It’s best not to freeze the grilled chicken and cheese sauce together, as the texture can change. Freeze the chicken breast separately and thaw slowly before reheating gently with the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Warm the chorizo mixture in a pan, and gently reheat the cheese sauce over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth. Then, reassemble and enjoy as if freshly made!

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the grilling time since thighs are thicker, and ensure they reach 165°F internally.

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

    If white American cheese isn’t handy, Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar are excellent substitutes. They melt smoothly and have a creamy flavor that complements the chorizo beautifully.

  3. How spicy is this recipe?

    The heat level is moderate but can be adjusted easily—omit jalapeños and cayenne pepper for a milder dish or add more for serious spice lovers.

  4. Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?

    Definitely! You can cook the chicken breasts on a hot cast iron skillet or grill pan for excellent searing. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain juicy, tender results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something downright joyful about this Easy Chori Pollo Recipe (Chicken with Chorizo and Cheese Sauce) Recipe. It balances hearty, spicy, and creamy flavors in a way that feels both special and totally doable any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to meals to impress without stress. So fire up that grill and get ready for a delicious celebration on your plate!

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

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 102 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

This Easy Chori Pollo recipe combines tender grilled chicken breasts with savory chorizo and a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the smoky spices in the chorizo and the rich cheese sauce bring bold flavors that complement the juicy grilled chicken. Garnished with fresh cilantro and diced jalapenos for an optional spicy kick, this dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Chicken Breasts:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • Wax paper or plastic wrap
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 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 crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 teaspoons salted butter
  • 1 to 1½ cups milk (start with 1 cup, add more to thin)
  • ½ pound (8 ounces) white American cheese, cubed (deli style, 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: Layer the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, cast iron skillet, or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about ½ to ¾ inch thickness. Set aside and repeat with remaining breasts.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Grill: Clean and oil your grill grates thoroughly. Heat the grill to approximately 400°F, avoiding temperatures above this to prevent burning.
  3. Season and Grill Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Spray both sides with grill spray. Place chicken on the grill at an angle for optimal grill marks. Do not move the chicken for 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken when it releases easily and cook another 5-6 minutes until grill marks form and chicken reaches 165°F internally. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Chorizo: In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in ground chorizo, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chorizo is fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter. Add 1 cup milk and cubed white American cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is fully melted into a smooth sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add up to ½ cup more milk to reach desired consistency. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and jalapenos (if desired). Heat through.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Place grilled chicken breasts on serving plates. Top evenly with cooked chorizo. Drizzle generously with warm cheese sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced jalapenos if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapenos according to your preferred spice level.
  • To make the cheese sauce dairy-free, substitute with plant-based cheese and milk alternatives but note flavor differences.
  • If a grill is not available, chicken can be cooked in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop using similar timing and heat control.
  • Leftover chorizo and cheese sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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