Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with a rich cheese sauce and fresh vegetables. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili seasoning
• 2 cups cheese sauce (such as Tostitos Medium Con Queso)
• 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Press out the air and seal the bag tightly. Massage the seasoning evenly over the chicken, then marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño if using. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and evenly top each breast with the sautéed vegetables. Spread the cheese sauce over the chicken breasts. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top oven rack for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the queso is golden brown.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite side like cilantro lime rice or crusty bread. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier dish, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add extra chili powder to the marinade.
• If you prefer, substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
• Use a store-bought queso or make your own cheese sauce for a homemade touch.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover baked queso chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain the crispy texture and gooey cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.

What can I serve with baked queso chicken?

This dish pairs well with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or even pasta to soak up the delicious queso sauce.

Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 79 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a blend of spices, seared to perfection, then topped with a savory cheese sauce and sautéed vegetables before being baked to golden bubbly perfection. This recipe combines the richness of creamy queso with the freshness of onions, tomatoes, and optional jalapeños, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili seasoning

For the Sauce and Vegetables:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (such as Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• 2 cups cheese sauce (e.g., Tostitos Medium Con Queso)
• 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced

For the Garnish:

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Optional:

• 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Massage the bag to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them until browned on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and diced jalapeño if using. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they soften, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. This step deepens the flavors and creates a tasty topping for the chicken.
4. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet atop the sautéed vegetables. Spoon the queso cheese sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead. Place the skillet or dish in the oven on the top rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso sauce becomes golden and bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Garnish the baked queso chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot as is or alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich cheesy chicken bursting with zest and freshness.

Notes

• Marinating time can be extended overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken during searing; just brown it evenly.
• Adjust the jalapeño quantity or omit it completely based on your heat preference.
• If using a casserole dish instead of a skillet, make sure it is oven-safe and large enough to hold all ingredients.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked (165°F).
• This recipe pairs well with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight marinating)
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: baked queso chicken, cheesy chicken, oven baked chicken, queso sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner, Mexican chicken recipe