Name: Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 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; 1 tbsp olive oil (Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil recommended); 2 cups cheese sauce (Tostitos Medium Con Queso); 1 medium onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces); 1 medium tomato (finely diced); 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped); 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and baked with a creamy queso sauce and fresh vegetables for a comforting meal with a Mexican twist.

The image shows four pieces of melted cheese-covered chicken breasts on a white plate, arranged in a row extending from the front to the back. Each piece is topped with chopped bright red tomatoes and scattered green herbs, giving a fresh contrast to the golden melted cheese and slightly browned chicken beneath. The cheese looks gooey and rich, with some melted pieces blending into the crispy edges of the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background for the colorful dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce and vegetables)
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, for garnish)
Optional: 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1: 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 seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Remove excess air, seal the bag, and massage the seasoning into the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Top each breast with the sautéed vegetables and spoon the cheese sauce evenly over them. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top oven rack for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the queso is golden. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta as desired. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful chicken!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use homemade cheese sauce or your favorite store-bought queso for convenience.
Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a casserole dish works perfectly for baking.

Storage

Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black pan with a creamy orange sauce topped with pieces of cooked chicken and chopped red bell peppers scattered on top. The sauce looks smooth and rich, filling the pan almost to the edges. Next to the pan on a white marbled surface are small bowls filled with diced red tomatoes and fresh green arugula leaves. The pan sits on a white towel underneath, making the bright colors of the food stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They will remain juicy and tender but might require a slightly longer baking time. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.

Is there a substitute for cheese sauce?

You can substitute cheese sauce with shredded cheese melted with a little milk or cream. Alternatively, use a creamy nacho cheese dip or a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a similar effect.