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Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

This Easy Baked Queso Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts seared to perfection, topped with a savory sautéed vegetable mix and creamy queso cheese sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. A deliciously cheesy and flavorful main dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, served with a fresh cilantro garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (around 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
  • 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

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Optional: diced jalapeño

Toppings and Garnish

  • 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 place the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag tightly after removing the air and massage the marinade around the chicken to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or preferably overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice browned crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, and optional jalapeño. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors without burning.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on the bottom. Spoon the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over each piece. Pour 2 cups of cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables, spreading to cover well. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven on the top rack for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso sauce is golden and bubbly.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet or casserole from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, paired nicely with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy baked chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating overnight amplifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
  • If using a casserole dish, make sure it is oven-safe and distribute ingredients evenly.
  • Adjust salt and chili seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.

Keywords: Baked Queso Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Recipe, Oven Baked Chicken, Mexican Chicken, Easy Dinner, Chicken Queso Bake

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