Introduction

Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a rich queso sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

A close-up of a single grilled chicken breast with a slightly charred, golden-brown surface, covered in a thick, creamy white sauce that drips down the sides. On top, the sauce is mixed with small pieces of bright orange, yellow, and green bell peppers, as well as bits of fresh cilantro leaves scattered around the chicken. The dish sits on a white plate with small speckles around the edge, all placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce pools lightly around the chicken, giving a slightly glossy and rich texture to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
Optional: diced jalapeño
2 cups cheese sauce, homemade or from the store
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: 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 of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove the air and seal the bag tightly, pressing the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, and optional jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sautéed vegetables on top of each breast. Spread the queso sauce evenly over each piece. 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 until the chicken is fully cooked and the queso is golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot. This dish goes well with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Use a homemade queso sauce with real cheese and peppers for a fresher flavor.
Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover baked queso chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken moist and the cheese sauce creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick, browned chicken piece covered with a creamy white sauce that has visible small bits of orange and green vegetables scattered on top and mixed into the sauce. The creamy sauce is flowing down the sides of the chicken and pooling at the bottom of a shallow white bowl with a soft brown rim. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead. After searing the chicken on the stovetop, transfer it to the casserole dish before baking with the queso sauce.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate the chicken the night before for enhanced flavor and assemble the dish just before baking. You can also cook it fully and reheat when ready to serve.