Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Baked Queso Chicken recipe brings bold flavors together in a simple, cheesy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With a zesty blend of spices, sautéed vegetables, and creamy queso sauce, it’s a comforting meal that’s 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

1. 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 and massage the seasonings evenly over the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor.
2. Step 2: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften without burning.
4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and generously top each breast with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over each piece of chicken. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the queso is bubbly and golden. The chicken’s internal temperature should reach 165°F.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or your favorite pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, include diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables or sprinkle crushed red pepper over the finished dish.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe quicker—just skip the searing and baking steps, and warm everything through.
• Swap out the cheese sauce for a homemade queso or your favorite creamy cheese dip for a personalized touch.
• Try adding black beans or corn to the sautéed vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy cheese sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier and may require slightly less cooking time. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I substitute for the cheese sauce?

If you don’t have store-bought queso, you can use a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses mixed with a little milk or cream. A homemade queso dip works perfectly too, letting you control the spice and creaminess.

Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

This Easy Baked Queso Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a blend of spices, seared to perfection, then baked with a creamy, cheesy queso sauce and sautéed fresh vegetables. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with cilantro lime rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight marinating)
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after pressing out excess air, and massage the seasoning into the chicken so it’s evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it sizzles. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear, cooking about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and optional diced jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and slightly caramelize, taking care to prevent burning.
4. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sautéed vegetable mixture on top of each piece. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the baked queso chicken with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or your favorite pasta for a delicious and cheesy meal.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors but 15 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
• Searing the chicken before baking locks in juices and creates a richer flavor profile.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
• Add diced jalapeño for a spicy kick or omit for a milder dish.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting bake time as needed.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that the cheese sauce used does not contain gluten ingredients.

Keywords: baked queso chicken, easy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, Mexican chicken bake, oven baked chicken, marinated chicken breasts, quick dinner idea