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Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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 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

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