Description
Baked Queso Chicken is a creamy and comforting chicken dinner made with seasoned chicken breasts baked under a rich queso sauce with tomatoes, green chilies, scallions, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips. This easy oven-finished meal is packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces), undrained
- 1 pound processed cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
- 6 scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup broken corn tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cubed cheese.
- Cook while stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Add milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Stir in the white parts of the scallions and chopped cilantro, then remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and pat dry.
- Season both sides of the chicken with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Spoon the queso sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Top with green scallions, extra cilantro, and broken tortilla chips before serving.
Notes
- Add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, or extra tortilla chips for added texture.
- Chicken tenders can be substituted for chicken breasts with reduced baking time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk if the queso thickens.
- Processed cheese melts smoother, but shredded cheese may also be used.
- Freezing is not recommended because the cheese sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1380mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
