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Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 80 reviews

This Easy Baked Queso Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts seared to perfection then baked with a rich, cheesy queso sauce and sautéed vegetables. With bold Mexican-inspired spices and a creamy topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor—perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (around 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 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 and Toppings

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Optional: diced jalapeño (to taste)
  • 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 position the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and all the spices—cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after pressing out the air and massage the seasoning into the chicken until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them until nicely browned on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables and avoid burning.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and evenly spread the sautéed vegetable mixture over each. Pour the queso cheese sauce on top, covering each chicken breast. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the chicken and toppings to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Place on the top oven rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the queso is golden brown. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with your choice of sides like cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta. Enjoy the deliciously cheesy and flavorful chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight greatly enhances the flavor.
  • If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, a baking dish works fine for the oven step.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level or omit if you prefer mild dishes.
  • The queso cheese sauce can be homemade using melted cheese and milk, or store-bought for convenience.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F.

Keywords: queso chicken, baked chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, cheesy chicken, easy dinner, baked queso, chicken breasts, weeknight meal

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