Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are marinated, seared, and baked under a creamy queso sauce with sautéed vegetables. It’s simple to make and sure to please the whole family.
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
- Optional: 1 diced jalapeño for extra heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after removing air and massage the seasoning evenly onto the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or preferably overnight in the fridge.
- Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil sizzles, about 2 minutes. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add diced onion, tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each with the sautéed vegetables, then spread the cheese sauce evenly over each piece. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you may transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top rack for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso turns golden.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides like cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
- Use your favorite queso or cheese sauce to customize the heat and creaminess.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Add diced bell peppers with the onions and tomatoes for more vegetable variety.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken. Frozen cooked leftovers can be kept for up to 1 month.
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 or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
What can I serve with Easy Baked Queso Chicken?
This dish pairs well with cilantro lime rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, crusty bread, or even pasta. The creamy queso sauce complements a variety of side dishes.
Print
Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful, cheesy dish featuring marinated chicken breasts seared to perfection and topped with a savory queso cheese sauce and sautéed vegetables, then baked until golden and tender. This comforting recipe combines smoky spices with creamy cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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 (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
- 2 cups cheese sauce (such as Tostitos Medium Con Queso)
- 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- Optional: 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)
For the garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after pressing out the air, then massage the seasonings evenly over each chicken breast. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally overnight in the refrigerator for full flavor absorption.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to evenly cook the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, topping each with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Pour the queso cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. If a cast-iron skillet isn’t available, transfer the ingredients to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top oven rack at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso turns golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with finely chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but a minimum of 15 minutes works in a pinch.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a 9×13 casserole dish can be used for baking.
- Adjust the heat by adding or omitting the jalapeño according to your spice preference.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: baked queso chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken breasts, queso sauce chicken, Mexican-inspired chicken
