Baked Queso Chicken
+8 photos

Baked Queso Chicken

4 servings
For this baked queso chicken, boneless chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, then finished in the oven under a layer of queso sauce. Garnish with cilantro and tortilla chips, and serve more chips on the side to scoop up the extra sauce.

Ingredients

  • 10-ounce can original Ro-tel

    undrained

    1
  • Velveeta pasteurized cheese food
    1 lb
  • milk

    optional

    2 tbsp
  • scallions

    white and green parts separated

    6
  • cilantro

    or more

    ¼ c
  • skinless

    boneless chicken breasts

    4
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • salt (or
    ½ tsp
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs and chopped scallion greens for garnish
  • broken corn tortilla chips

    or

    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine Ro-tel and Velveeta. Break up Velveeta into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Stir until cheese is melted, and the Ro-tel is blended in. Add milk, if a thinner sauce is desired.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Stir in white parts of scallions and cilantro. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), and set a rack in the middle position. Pound chicken to an even thickness, and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides of chicken with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Pour olive oil into a large, ovenproof nonstick skillet, and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Carefully add seasoned chicken, and sear both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Spread queso sauce evenly over each chicken breast.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Bake uncovered in the center of the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the center and juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Sprinkle chicken with cilantro sprigs, green parts of scallions, and broken corn tortilla chips to serve.

    Step 8
Baked Queso Chicken
+8

Baked Queso Chicken

40 min4 servings840 cal

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About this Recipe

Baked Queso Chicken: Your New Favorite Cheesy Dinner!

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly easy Baked Queso Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and seared to lock in flavor, then smothered in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy queso sauce, baked until bubbling perfection. This cheesy chicken recipe is not just a meal; it's a comfort food experience that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal quick weeknight meal.

What makes this baked queso chicken truly special is the irresistible queso. Crafted from melted Velveeta and zesty Ro-tel, it forms a luscious blanket over the chicken. The chicken itself is seasoned with a robust blend of ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, delivering a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy queso. A quick sear creates a beautiful golden crust before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, ensuring it's juicy inside.

Tips for the Best Baked Queso Chicken:

  • Perfect Sear: Don't overcrowd your pan when searing the chicken. Give each breast enough space to brown properly, creating that delicious crust.
  • Queso Consistency: If your queso seems a little too thick, a tablespoon or two of milk can help achieve that ideal creamy, pourable texture.
  • Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and chopped scallion greens not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the queso. And don't forget the broken tortilla chips for that essential crunch!

This easy chicken dinner is designed for scooping! Serve extra tortilla chips on the side so everyone can enjoy every last drop of that amazing queso. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions