Description
Baked Queso Chicken is a mouthwatering dish where juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices, baked to perfection, and topped with creamy queso sauce. A hint of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, making this a comforting, cheesy meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total), skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 2 cups queso sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each breast.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned.
- Once browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Top each chicken breast with the chopped onion, tomato, and jalapeño (if using).
- Pour the queso sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy dish, use homemade queso sauce or a store-bought version with a thicker consistency.
- Serve this dish with a side of rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer less heat, you can skip the jalapeño or remove the seeds before dicing it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 95mg