Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Queso Chicken is a simple and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy, melted queso cheese. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without requiring much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Step 2: Spoon the queso evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder or cumin before topping with queso.
- Try using pepper jack cheese instead of regular shredded cheese for a spicy kick.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Baked Queso Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to maintain moisture and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before baking to avoid undercooked meat.
What can I substitute for queso if I can’t find it?
You can use a creamy cheese sauce, such as a blend of melted Velveeta and milk, or substitute with cream cheese mixed with shredded cheese for a similar texture and flavor.
PrintBaked Queso Chicken Recipe
Baked Queso Chicken is a simple and delicious chicken dish where juicy chicken breasts are topped with creamy queso and melted cheese, then baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup queso (prepared cheese dip)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to evenly cook the chicken and melt the cheese topping.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Queso Topping: Spoon the queso onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the queso-covered chicken breasts to add a flavorful melted cheese crust.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute queso with your choice of cheese dip or even cream cheese mixed with salsa for variation.
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, or your preferred spices before adding queso.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep chicken juicy and tender.
- Pairs well with rice, tortillas, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Baked Queso Chicken, cheesy chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, queso chicken, easy chicken dinner
