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–+ servings
Chili Chicken Queso Bake

Cheesy Chili Chicken Queso Bake with Smoky Southwestern Flavor

This Chili Chicken Queso Bake features smoky flavors and creamy queso, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bake
  • 1 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or chicken breasts/pork tenderloin
  • 1 cups Monterey Jack Cheese or pepper jack for extra kick
  • 1 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Mexican cheese blend
  • 2 cups Fresh Hatch Chilies or roasted Anaheim/poblano chilies if unavailable
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) fresh is best
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) or shallots/leeks
  • 1 cups Whole Milk or plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cups Heavy Cream or coconut milk
  • 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour or certified gluten-free flour/cornstarch
  • 1 ts Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 ts Ground Cumin optional
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper to adjust flavors
  • 1/4 cups Fresh Cilantro (chopped) or parsley for milder taste
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice for brightness

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chili Chicken Queso Bake
  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs and season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  3. Lower heat, add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes, then pour in milk and cream, followed by flour and cheeses. Stir until smooth.
  4. Nestle the seared chicken into the queso sauce, spoon additional sauce over the top, and ensure chicken is partially submerged.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce is bubbling.
  6. Remove from oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish allows for various diet adaptations; feel free to experiment with different proteins and cheese blends according to preference.

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