Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Queso Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy queso dip for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and spread the queso dip evenly over the top of each breast.
- Step 3: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the queso is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cilantro over the queso before baking.
- Use homemade queso or your favorite store-bought brand to customize the taste.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers 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 moist and the queso creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and might even stay juicier during baking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using a dairy-free queso alternative or a cashew-based cheese sauce to keep it dairy-free while enjoying similar flavors.
PrintBaked Queso Chicken Recipe
Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy queso dip infused with a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the richness of queso with the savory goodness of baked chicken for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Queso Dip
- 1 cup prepared queso dip
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken thoroughly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with warm, smoky flavors.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Spoon the queso dip evenly over each piece, covering the tops generously to create a creamy, cheesy coating.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The queso should be bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the baked queso chicken hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can use store-bought queso dip or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Baked Queso Chicken, Chicken recipe, Queso dip chicken, Easy baked chicken, Cheesy chicken, Mexican-inspired chicken
