This Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a weeknight winner. Tender chicken breasts bake under a creamy layer of queso and bright, slightly spicy diced tomatoes with green chiles. The top melts to a smooth, cheesy finish while the tomatoes add a tangy, zesty pop. The dish smells warm and savory as it bakes and looks inviting with a glossy, golden queso topping and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you like cheesy, baked dinners, try the similar comfort of an Easy Cheesy Baked Potato, Chicken & Broccoli Casserole for another simple, family-friendly meal idea.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories per serving: 390 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Why Make This Easy Baked Queso Chicken
This recipe is fast, cheesy, and forgiving. It uses simple pantry ingredients and needs just one baking dish. The queso creates a creamy, savory sauce that keeps the chicken moist. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add acidity and a mild heat that balances the richness. It’s a great choice for busy nights, casual dinners, or when you want comfort food without fuss.
How to Make Easy Baked Queso Chicken
The method is straightforward: season the chicken, nestle it in a dish, spoon on tomatoes and queso, then bake until juicy. The oven does most of the work, so you have time to prepare sides or relax.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray so the chicken won’t stick.
Step 2: Mixing
Drizzle the olive oil in the baking dish and place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season each breast evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Baking
Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the seasoned chicken. Spoon the queso cheese over each breast so they are well covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the queso is hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note.
How to Serve Easy Baked Queso Chicken
Serve this chicken over rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the queso-tomato sauce. It also pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or warmed tortillas for a Tex-Mex style plate. For a party, slice the chicken and place on a platter with chips for dipping.
How to Store Easy Baked Queso Chicken
- Refrigerate: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Cover to keep moisture.
- Freeze: Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Queso Chicken
- Use even-sized breasts so they cook at the same rate. If some are thick, pound them to a uniform thickness.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices stick.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
- If your queso is very thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk for a smoother sauce.
- For extra color, broil 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Taste the canned tomatoes first; if they are very salty, reduce added salt on the chicken.
Delicious Variations
- Southwest Style: Add a sprinkle of cumin and smoked paprika to the seasoning. Top with corn and black beans before baking.
- Jalapeño Kick: Stir sliced jalapeños into the queso or use a spicy queso.
- Green Chile & Lime: Mix lime zest into the queso and finish with a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Pesto Queso Twist: Swirl 2 tablespoons of pesto into the queso for a herb-forward version.
- Cheesy Veggie Bake: Add sliced bell peppers and onions under the chicken for more veggies in the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes. Bone-in chicken will need longer cooking time. Bake for 35–45 minutes, and check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Increase resting time slightly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate covered. Bake when you are ready. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based queso or a cashew-based cheese sauce. Texture and flavor will vary but it will still be creamy.
Q: My queso separates when heated—how can I prevent that?
A: Use moderate oven heat and full-fat queso. If needed, stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream before spreading and avoid prolonged high heat.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Choose a low-sodium canned tomato, rinse canned ingredients, and use a lower-sodium queso or reduce the amount of added salt.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes. Use a larger baking dish and keep the chicken in a single layer. Cooking time may increase slightly—use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Queso Chicken is simple, satisfying, and full of creamy, zesty flavor—perfect for busy nights or casual dinners. The dish comes together fast and makes a cozy, cheesy meal the whole family will enjoy. For another take on a cheesy chicken bake, check out Baked Queso Chicken – Butter & Baggage. Give this recipe a try — it’s quick, comforting, and ready to become a weeknight favorite.
Print
Easy Baked Queso Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and satisfying baked chicken dish topped with creamy queso and zesty diced tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Drizzle the olive oil in the baking dish and place the chicken breasts in a single layer, seasoning each breast with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken. Spoon the queso cheese over each breast so they are well covered. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the queso is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. If using thick queso, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk for a smoother sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
