Print

Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish featuring marinated chicken breasts seared to perfection, topped with sautéed vegetables and smothered in creamy queso sauce, then baked to golden, bubbly goodness. This recipe combines smoky spices with melty cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil recommended)
  • 2 cups cheese sauce (Tostitos Medium Con Queso recommended)
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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 of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air, and massage the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil begins to sizzle, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side until well browned, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and optional diced jalapeño. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they soften and release their flavors, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the sautéed vegetables. Generously spoon the queso cheese sauce over each chicken breast. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet suitable for oven use, transfer all ingredients to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake on the top rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso has turned golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet or casserole dish from the oven and garnish the cheesy chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot, paired with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy baked queso chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor but a minimum 15-minute marinate still yields good results.
  • Searing the chicken before baking locks in juices and adds a rich golden crust.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño from the sautéed vegetables.
  • Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for superior heat retention and even baking, otherwise a casserole dish works fine.

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

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/easy-baked-queso-chicken-recipe/