Description
Baked queso chicken is a bold and cheesy Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food featuring juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken breasts, creamy queso sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese. Easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup buttermilk
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons taco seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 cup prepared queso cheese sauce
1 cup shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour in the buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, discard the marinade, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
4. Season both sides of the chicken with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish.
5. Spoon half of the drained tomatoes with green chiles over the chicken. Pour the queso evenly over the top, then add the remaining tomatoes.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over everything.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Let rest for a few minutes before serving, as the chicken will finish cooking from residual heat.
Notes
For a milder version, use mild queso and cheddar only.
Leftovers make excellent taco or burrito fillings.
To make it a full meal, serve over rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex