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Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 61 reviews

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy baked chicken dish featuring marinated, seared chicken breasts topped with a savory sautéed vegetable mix and creamy queso sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe combines simple spices, fresh ingredients, and a gooey cheese topping baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (around 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Optional: diced jalapeño (adjust amount to taste)

Topping and Garnish

  • 2 cups cheese sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag tightly after pressing out excess air. Massage the bag to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, diced tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables and prevent sticking or burning.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each breast evenly with the sautéed onion and tomato mixture. Spread 2 cups of queso sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead. Bake on the top rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet or casserole dish from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro. Serve hot alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors of this easy baked queso chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
  • You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder and jalapeño.
  • Homemade cheese sauce or store-bought queso can be used depending on your preference and convenience.
  • If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a 9×13-inch casserole dish is a great alternative for baking.

Keywords: Queso Chicken, Baked Chicken, Mexican Chicken, Cheese Sauce Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Spicy Chicken, One Pan Meal

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