Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Queso Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy queso dip and melted cheese. It’s a quick weeknight meal perfect for those who love a cheesy, spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts evenly with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the queso dip evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the queso-covered chicken.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the spice mix.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—just heat and top with queso and cheese.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.
- Try topping with sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes for added texture and heat.
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 until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with Baked Queso Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, beans, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
PrintBaked Queso Chicken Recipe
Baked Queso Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy queso dip and melted cheese, seasoned with spices, and baked to perfection. This easy recipe delivers a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Toppings
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Queso Dip: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the queso dip generously over each piece, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the queso-covered chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- You can customize the queso dip by adding diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Baked Queso Chicken, cheesy chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, queso dip chicken
