Baked Queso Chicken
This Baked Queso Chicken is loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor, smothered in creamy queso sauce, and baked to perfection. A one-pan cheesy chicken dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing comfort food! Serve it over rice, with tortilla chips, or stuffed in tacos.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup jarred or homemade queso
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes with green chiles optional
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- For serving:
- Cooked rice or tortilla chips
- Sliced jalapeños optional
- Sour cream or salsa optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden (they don't need to be fully cooked). Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Add queso: Pour the queso over the chicken evenly. If using, spoon diced tomatoes with green chiles over the top.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add cheese and broil: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve over rice, with chips, or in tacos.
Notes
- Use spicy queso for extra heat, or mild for a kid-friendly version.
- You can swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier cut.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well.