Description
This Chicken con Queso is a deliciously cheesy and flavorful casserole topped with diced tomatoes, fire-roasted green chiles, and sharp cheddar cheese. Made with simple seasonings and baked to perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings and Sauce
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 4 ounces diced fire-roasted green chiles (1 can)
- 15 ounces salsa con queso (1 jar)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish and season evenly with chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt to infuse the meat with bold southwestern flavors.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread the diced Roma tomatoes and fire-roasted green chiles on top of the seasoned chicken breasts, layering fresh and smoky flavors.
- Spread Queso Sauce: Pour and spread the entire jar of salsa con queso over the tomatoes, green chiles, and chicken, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the queso layer to create a golden, melted crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with extra diced tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute the salsa con queso with homemade queso or another cheese sauce of your choice.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
