Queso Chicken

Ingredients:

1 cup Buttermilk

4 boneless chicken breast

2 teaspoons taco seasoning

salt and pepper

10 ounces Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies

1 cup queso

1 cup pepper jack and cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions:

Place chicken in ziplock bag with buttermilk and let sit overnight or at least for 30 minutes. Drain, and pat dry.

Preheat oven to 375º. Sprinkle chicken with taco season and salt and pepper. Place in a glass baking dish.

Drain tomatoes and chilies and place half on chicken, cover with queso and place the rest of the tomatoes on top. Cover with grated cheese mixture.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until instant thermometer reads 155º. They will continue to cook once removed from the oven.

Recipe Tip:

For tender chicken marinate in buttermilk for 30 minutes.

If you don’t have Ro-tel tomatoes, chop fresh tomatoes and a jalapeno.

You can find queso in the refrigerated section of the grocery or on the potato chip aisle.

This is great served over rice. Enjoy !

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than buttermilk for marinating the chicken?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

This will help tenderize the chicken.

What type of queso should I use for this recipe?

You can use your favorite type of queso, whether it’s a store-bought queso dip or homemade.

Choose one with the flavor and spice level you prefer.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time for chicken tenders or chicken thighs?

Yes, if you’re using chicken tenders or thighs instead of boneless chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Thinner cuts like tenders will cook faster, so keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with Queso Chicken to make a complete meal?

Queso Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Spanish rice, black beans, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables.

You can also serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a Tex-Mex twist.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and prepare the dish in advance, then cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you’re starting with cold chicken.

It may take a little longer to reach the recommended internal temperature.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe.

Keep in mind that thighs may have a slightly different cooking time, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I use regular milk as a substitute?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk as a substitute.

To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy for milder taste preferences?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild variety of Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies or reduce the amount used.

Additionally, you can choose a mild queso dip rather than a spicier one.

What sides go well with Queso Chicken for a complete meal?

Queso Chicken pairs nicely with side dishes like Spanish rice, refried beans, a crisp green salad, or sautéed vegetables.

You can also serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a Tex-Mex twist.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and seasonings in advance and then refrigerate it.

When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the remaining steps of the recipe.

Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you’re starting with cold chicken to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature.