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Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This Baked Queso Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts seared to perfection and then baked under a rich, creamy queso sauce topped with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and optional jalapeños. The dish is flavorful and comforting, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total), skinless and boneless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 2 cups queso sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack on the top shelf to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Marinate Chicken: In a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and all the seasonings—cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after removing as much air as possible. Massage the seasoning evenly over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for better flavor.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear until nicely browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
  5. Assemble for Baking: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet on top of the sautéed vegetables. Evenly spread the queso sauce over each chicken breast. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a 9×13-inch casserole dish for this step.
  6. Bake: Place the skillet or casserole on the top rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the queso sauce is bubbly and golden brown on top. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta.

Notes

  • Marinating time can be adjusted depending on your schedule; longer marination enhances flavor.
  • Jalapeño is optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
  • If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the sautéed veggies and chicken to a baking dish before adding queso sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • Queso sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.

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