Baked Queso Chicken

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total), skinless and boneless

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium tomato, diced

jalapeño, diced (optional)

2 cups queso sauce, homemade or store-bought

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Arrange oven rack on the top shelf.

In a large ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and all seasoning including cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Press air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the seasoning around the chicken to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to overnight in the fridge.

When ready to cook, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles. Sear the chicken breasts until nicely browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer onto a plate.

In the same skillet, add onion, tomato, and jalapeño and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.

Return the chicken to the skillet and top with sautéed onion and tomato. Spread queso sauce evenly over each chicken breast. (If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a 9x13-inch casserole pan).

Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through and queso turns golden brown. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or over pasta if desired.