Queso Chicken – This one-pan recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich and velvety queso sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal.
What is Queso Chicken?
Queso Chicken is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious queso cheese sauce. The word “queso” comes from Spanish, meaning “cheese,” and in this recipe, it refers to a creamy, slightly spicy cheese sauce often found in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Imagine juicy chicken topped with a blanket of creamy, gooey cheese and seasoned with flavors of garlic, cumin, and chili. This is the epitome of comfort food!
Variations on Queso Chicken
While the basic recipe is delicious, here are some creative ways to change things up:
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the diced tomatoes with a low-carb salsa and serve the dish over cauliflower rice.
Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Spice It Up: Add more heat by incorporating chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce.
Queso Chicken Casserole: After searing the chicken, layer it in a casserole dish, pour the queso sauce on top, and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Queso Chicken
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming as smooth as possible. For the best results, grate your cheese fresh.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to cook them just until they reach 165°F internally.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: If your queso sauce seems too thin, continue to simmer it, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Avoid Boiling the Sauce: Boiling the cream and cheese can cause the sauce to curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent this.
How to Serve Queso Chicken
This cheesy, flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Spanish Rice: A traditional accompaniment that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, refried beans add extra richness to the meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of chips to dip into the extra queso sauce.
- Sautéed Vegetables: For a healthier side, try sautéed peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the cheese.
How to Store and Freeze Queso Chicken
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of cream to thin the sauce.
Freezing:
You can also freeze queso chicken! Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop, adding a little cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken thighs or tenders for chicken breasts in this recipe. Thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful result due to their higher fat content.
How Do I Make Queso Chicken Keto-Friendly?
This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can make it even more keto-friendly by using full-fat cheese and skipping the canned tomatoes with green chilies. Serve with cauliflower rice or a side of sautéed greens.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat?
Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the queso chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Queso Chicken
Queso Chicken - This one-pan recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich and velvety queso sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz can of Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, drained
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup queso (about 12 oz)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese mix
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a ziplock bag with the buttermilk. Let them sit overnight or for at least 30 minutes to get nice and tender. Drain and pat the chicken dry when ready.
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts. Then, place them in a glass baking dish.
- Layer the goodness: Add half of the drained tomatoes and chilies on top of the chicken. Pour queso over the chicken, then top with the remaining tomatoes and chilies. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese mix on top.
- Bake: Pop the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 155°F. The chicken will continue to cook as it rests out of the oven.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 529Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 1409mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 57g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Queso Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—everyone needs some cheesy, comforting Queso Chicken in their lives!
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