Description
Easy Baked Queso Chicken combines tender baked chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy queso sauce featuring cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ready in under 40 minutes, this comforting and flavorful dish is family-friendly, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Queso Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat chicken breasts with olive oil. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a well-seasoned base for the queso topping.
- Make the Queso Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and finely chopped jalapeños. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended to form a creamy queso sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the queso mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth queso sauce.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Adjust jalapeño amount or remove seeds to customize spice level.
- Let chicken rest after baking to lock in juices and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with queso
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, queso chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy dinner, baked queso, Mexican chicken, family-friendly chicken
