Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish where tender chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk, seasoned with taco spices, and topped with layers of Ro-Tel tomatoes, queso, and melted cheese for a cheesy, zesty finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 10 ounces Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, drained
- 1 cup queso (12 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese mixture
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts in a ziplock bag with 1 cup buttermilk. Seal and refrigerate overnight or for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, drain, and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with 2 teaspoons taco seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a glass baking dish. Drain the Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies. Spread half of the tomatoes evenly over the chicken, then layer with 1 cup queso. Add the remaining tomatoes on top, and finally cover everything with the shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken reads 160ºF. The chicken will continue to cook slightly after removal due to residual heat.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best tenderness and flavor, but 30 minutes is sufficient in a pinch.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 160ºF before removing from oven.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy queso cheese.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/baked-queso-chicken-recipe/
