Description
Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and creamy casserole-style dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, seasoned with taco spices, and topped with melted queso, tomatoes, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. This easy-to-make oven-baked meal combines savory and spicy elements perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 ounces Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, drained and divided
- 1 cup queso (about 12 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese mixture
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or airtight container with the buttermilk. Refrigerate and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a glass baking dish in a single layer.
- Assemble Toppings: Drain the Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies well. Spread half of the tomatoes evenly over the chicken, then layer with the queso cheese. Add the remaining tomatoes on top of the queso, followed by an even layer of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 160ºF (71ºC). The chicken will continue to cook slightly after removal. Serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance tenderness and flavor but 30 minutes will still yield good results.
- Use a glass baking dish to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
- Ro-Tel tomatoes add a spicy kick; substitute with mild diced tomatoes if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
