Queso Baked Chicken

If there’s one thing I firmly believe, it’s that Queso Baked Chicken can save just about any hectic weeknight. You know those days—work ran late, the kids are grumbling that they’re “starving,” and you’re staring into the fridge hoping dinner might magically appear. Well, consider this your culinary magic trick.

This cheesy, saucy chicken dish is pure comfort with a Tex-Mex twist, and the best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for when life feels as spicy as your chili powder!

Why You’ll Love This Queso Baked Chicken

Let me count the ways:

  • Quick and Easy: Dinner’s on the table in under 45 minutes, start to finish—including the time it takes to chase the kids away from the shredded cheese.
  • Flavor Bomb: We’re talking tender chicken breasts swimming in a pool of rich queso sauce, layered with mild green chiles, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds. Trust me—I’ve tested this on my own little critics.
  • Minimal Mess: One casserole dish. Less cleanup. Enough said.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll grab for your delicious Queso Baked Chicken:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 oz mild green chiles
  • 1 cup Chile Con Queso sauce (I love Desert Pepper brand)
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 Roma tomato, chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Queso Baked Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • Grab a deep baking dish (like a trusty casserole pan) and place your chicken breasts inside.

Step 2: Spice It Up

  • Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt evenly over the chicken breasts. Give them a little rub if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor

  • Scatter half of the chopped tomatoes and half of the green chiles over the chicken.
  • Pour the queso sauce generously over each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Top with Goodness

  • Sprinkle the remaining chopped tomatoes and green chiles on top.
  • Shower it all with your shredded cheese of choice. More cheese = more smiles.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Before serving, top with the extra chopped tomato and fresh parsley. It’ll make your dish look as gorgeous as it tastes!
Queso Baked Chicken in three stages of preparation: topped with queso sauce and veggies, covered with shredded cheese, and baked golden with herbs.
From prep to perfection, see how Queso Baked Chicken transforms into a cheesy, Tex-Mex masterpiece!

Aneta’s Tips for the Perfect Queso Baked Chicken

  • Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a milder flavor if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks.
  • Spice Level: Want it hotter? Use hot green chiles or spicy queso sauce.
  • Juicy Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Check it around the 25-minute mark for juicy, tender results.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve this with a side of cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Don’t worry if your queso looks a bit separated during baking—that’s normal. Give it a little stir around the chicken before serving, and all will be deliciously creamy!

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Queso Baked Chicken became my saving grace during last year’s school fundraiser week. Between making posters, answering endless emails, and refereeing sibling squabbles, I had exactly zero minutes for fancy dinners. But tossing a few simple ingredients into a casserole dish? That I could handle. And let me tell you, my family practically licked their plates clean. That’s when I knew this recipe was pure gold.

FAQs About Queso Baked Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as they might cook faster.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I freeze Queso Baked Chicken?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one—the queso sauce can become grainy after thawing.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not too spicy! Using mild green chiles and medium queso sauce keeps it kid-friendly. Spice lovers can swap in hotter versions.

Let’s Make Dinner Magical!

If you’ve been craving something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, Queso Baked Chicken is your answer. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to put smiles on your family’s faces—even on the busiest nights.

So grab your casserole pan and let’s make some chicken magic together. Happy cooking!

Keep Exploring Delicious Chicken Recipes!

If you’re drooling over this Queso Baked Chicken, I’ve got plenty more recipes to keep your kitchen buzzing with flavor. Check out these mouthwatering dishes next:

There’s a whole world of chicken magic waiting for you — happy cooking!

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Queso Baked Chicken in a white casserole dish, topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, and fresh parsley in a creamy Tex-Mex sauce.

Queso Baked Chicken


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Queso Baked Chicken is a quick, creamy Tex-Mex dinner loaded with tender chicken breasts, spicy queso sauce, green chiles, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

  • 4 oz mild green chiles

  • 1 cup Chile Con Queso sauce (Desert Pepper brand recommended)

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, or a blend)

  • 1 Roma tomato, chopped, for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Arrange chicken breasts in a deep baking dish or casserole pan.

  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt evenly over the chicken.

  4. Top chicken with half of the chopped tomatoes and half of the green chiles.

  5. Spread queso sauce evenly over each chicken breast.

  6. Sprinkle the remaining chopped tomatoes and green chiles on top.

  7. Cover chicken with shredded cheese.

  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

  9. Garnish with chopped tomato and parsley before serving.

Notes

Monterey Jack cheese can be swapped in for a milder flavor.
Adjust spice level with hotter queso sauce or spicy green chiles.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

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