Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and cheesy baked chicken dish featuring marinated chicken breasts topped with sautéed vegetables and creamy queso sauce, baked to perfection. This easy recipe combines bold Mexican-inspired spices with a rich cheese topping for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
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 suggested)
- 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
- 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 after pressing out the air, then massage the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables and prevent burning.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, topping each with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Spread the queso cheese sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If a cast-iron skillet is not available, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Place the skillet or pan on the top oven rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the queso is golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot. This dish pairs excellently with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your rich and cheesy baked queso chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- If jalapeño is not preferred, omit it or substitute with milder peppers for less heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Cast-iron skillet helps with even searing and oven-safe baking, but a casserole dish works well too.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: baked queso chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, Mexican chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, queso chicken breasts, baked chicken with cheese sauce
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/easy-baked-queso-chicken-recipe/
