Name: Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
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 (e.g., Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil); 2 cups cheese sauce (e.g., 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)

Ingredients

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 additional tbsp for cooking)

4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp chili seasoning

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 the oven to 400°F and position the oven rack on the top shelf. In a large resealable bag, combine chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag, pressing out the air, and massage the seasonings around the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

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 and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sautéed vegetables evenly over each breast, then spread the cheese sauce on top. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead. Bake on the top rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with your choice of sides, like cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta. Enjoy your richly cheesy and savory chicken!

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor and tender meat.

Substitute pepper jack cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Omit jalapeño for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.

Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.

To make it gluten-free, check that your cheese sauce and seasonings have no gluten-containing ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?

While possible, this recipe works best with raw chicken as it sears and bakes with the sauce. Using pre-cooked chicken may result in overcooking and dryness. If using cooked chicken, add it only in the final baking step to warm through.