• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Family Food on the Table
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Chicken

Cheesy Fiesta Grilled Chicken

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 6, 2025 | Published: May 6, 2021
This post may contain affiliate links. See my 
disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe
Pin

Cheesy Fiesta Grilled Chicken is quick and easy to make with just 3 ingredients, comes out so juicy and flavorful, and can be dressed up with fun toppings!

Close up of two grilled chicken breasts served on a white plate and topped with cheese, salsa, avocado, jalapeños and cilantro


 

Grilled chicken is a summertime go-to favorite for most of us. And this cheesy fiesta-style grilled chicken really kicks things up a notch!

It's so easy, too. Just season your chicken breasts with taco seasoning, grill, add some shredded cheese at the end and then top with your favorites.

Those are definitely ingredients I always have on hand, so this is my go-to grilled chicken. Can't beat the flavor and it's really just 3 ingredients.

Oh, and while I use homemade taco seasoning, you can substitute store-bought, no problem.

This chicken is great for a party because everyone can dress it up just how they want. Create a little fiesta chicken bar. It works great for kids, too, for the same reason. 

And it's gluten-free, low-carb and keto-friendly as is.

Check out these 10 favorite easy grilled chicken recipes for more grilling deliciousness! Or try this one-pot chicken fiesta with rice, beans and tomatoes for an all-in-one dinner with big flavor.

Grilled chicken breasts
Grilled chicken breasts being cooked on an open grill with shredded cheese melting on top of each.
Grilled chicken breasts served on a white plate set over turquoise napkins and topped with cheese, salsa, avocado, jalapeños and cilantro

Now, I’ve got some notes, tips and substitutions coming up below on how to make fiesta grilled chicken. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Recipe Notes:

  • Taco seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought is fine here, as I mentioned.
  • Cheese: You can use shredded cheddar cheese (that's what I have here - it's a white cheddar) or you could substitute Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or even Pepper Jack for a little kick.
  • Chicken: It helps to make sure you are using small, evenly sized chicken breasts so that they cook evenly on the grill.
  • Temp: Be sure to check the temperature (we love a digital thermometer) and remove the chicken from the grill when it hits 160. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving so that it retains its juices.
Cheesy grilled chicken breasts topped with salsa, avocado, jalapeños and cilantro

And let's get to the other fun part of this recipe: the toppings!

Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Topping Ideas:

  • Sliced or diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Jalapeno slices
  • Pickled red onions
  • Hot sauce or sriracha
Overhead shot of two grilled chicken breasts seasoned with taco seasoning and topped with melted cheese, salsa, avocado, cilantro and pickled jalapeños.

Now that your chicken is topped and ready to go, let's round out the rest of the meal.

Serving Ideas:

- This cheesy grilled chicken goes great with a colorful, crunchy side salad or some roasted veggies. It's also delicious with a super-quick sautéed corn and pepper salad. Fresh and delicious.

- Add some steamed rice or some roasted potatoes. (This confetti rice or some paprika roasted potatoes would be great.)

- It would also be fabulous with my black bean and mango party salad or Mexican coleslaw. Or this creamy, delicious avocado salad.

And I have to say, leftovers are awesome! You definitely want leftovers.

Grilled chicken breasts served on a white plate surrounded by colorful napkins and topped with cheese, salsa, avocado, jalapeños and cilantro

Ideas for Leftovers:

- Leftover grilled chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

- Slice the leftover chicken and use on top of a salad or in a tortilla for a lunch wrap.

- Use diced leftover grilled chicken for tacos, burritos or burrito bowls or in enchiladas.

- Top a grain bowl with some sliced or diced chicken.

- Make a quick chicken skillet with the leftovers and some onions and bell peppers, black beans and corn and any desired toppings. Serve as is or over a bed of rice. Add cheese, avocado, salsa, etc.

Sliced grilled chicken served on a plate with toppings and a fork resting on the plate

So be sure to make extra of this chicken. You will find ways to use it.

Whatever you do, try this out soon. It’ll be your family’s new favorite grilled chicken recipe!

Enjoy and happy grilling!

XO,

Kathryn

Close up of fiesta grilled chicken with melted cheese on top and avocado, salsa, jalapeño slices and cilantro as toppings.
PRINT PIN SaveSaved!
No ratings yet

Cheesy Fiesta Grilled Chicken

This fun, flavorful cheesy fiesta grilled chicken is made with easy on-hand ingredients and comes out so juicy and delicious! Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 (6-7 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 - 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack)

Optional toppings:

  • Sliced avocado or guacamole, crumbled tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, salsa or pico de gallo, chopped fresh cilantro, pickled red onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill on medium-high heat.
  • Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with oil and sprinkle evenly with taco seasoning.
  • Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping once. (Grill time will depend on how thick your chicken breasts are.) Meanwhile, get your toppings prepped.
  • A couple of minutes before they are done, top the chicken breasts with the shredded cheese to allow it to melt.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

It helps to make sure you are using small, evenly sized chicken breasts so that they cook evenly on the grill.
Be sure to check the temperature (we love a digital thermometer) and remove the chicken from the grill when it hits 160. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving so that it retains its juices.
Homemade taco seasoning is great, but you can also use a store-bought packet.
Leftover grilled chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. It's great to use for salads, wraps, grain bowls, or in tacos or burritos or enchiladas.
To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 402mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!

This post has been updated with new photos. It was originally published in May 2015.

Pin

More Chicken

  • Close up of a creamy chicken pasta with Cajun flavors in a stock pot.
    Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Close up of cheesy pesto baked chicken strips in a casserole dish.
    Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
  • Close up of a chicken enchilada skillet in a dark cast iron pan with lime wedges, avocado slices, sour cream and chopped fresh herbs on top.
    Chicken Enchilada Skillet
  • Baked cheesy chicken enchiladas verde in a casserole dish with cilantro, lime and avocado scattered on top as garnishes.
    Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • A cream cheese chicken and mushroom mixture in a large pan with a wooden spoon resting in it.
    Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
  • Close up of honey garlic chicken served in a blue and white bowl with sliced green onions on top.
    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Close up of a whole roasted chicken on a large white serving platter with veggies and fresh parsley to the side.
    Easy Whole Roasted Chicken
  • Close up of a fork resting in a bowl of rice and curried ground turkey with peas.
    Curry Ground Turkey with Rice and Peas
  • Close up of a wooden spoon drizzling pan gravy over seared pork chops.
    Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Gravy
  • Close up of cooked cubes of chicken breasts in a honey garlic sauce with red pepper flakes.
    15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Footer

↑back to top

About

  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Newsletter

  • Sign up for emails!

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • Accessibility

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Family Food on the Table

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required