Baked Queso Chicken
A delicious and easy baked chicken dish topped with creamy queso sauce.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet For searing chicken and baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 breasts chicken, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 4 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 2 cups queso sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the oven rack on the top shelf. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on the queso.
- In a large ziplock 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 tightly, removing excess air, and massage the seasonings into the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot. Sear the chicken breasts until browned on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, tomato, and jalapeño (if using), and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps release the flavors of the vegetables.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and top with the sautéed onion and tomato. Spread the queso sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, feel free to use a 9x13-inch casserole pan for baking.
- Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the queso sauce turns golden brown. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer for safety.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or over pasta if desired for a complete meal!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.