Name: Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 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; 1 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil); 2 cups cheese sauce (Tostitos Medium Con Queso recommended); 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 medium tomato, finely diced; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)

Introduction

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful, cheesy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and baked under a creamy queso sauce with sautéed vegetables. This recipe brings comforting Tex-Mex flavors straight to your table with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of a grilled piece of meat layered at the bottom, covered by a thick creamy sauce that has small pieces of orange, green, and red vegetables mixed in. On top of the dish, there is a sprig of fresh green cilantro adding a fresh touch. The meat looks juicy and slightly charred, with the sauce spreading around it on a white bowl with a soft brown edge. The background has a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium tomato, finely diced

2 cups cheese sauce (such as Tostitos Medium Con Queso)

1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

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 the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after pressing out the air, then massage to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.

Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the chicken, then spread the cheese sauce on top. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake on the top rack for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the queso is golden. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, paired with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful chicken!

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. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.