Name: Queso Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon diced green chilies (optional for some heat); 8 small flour or corn tortillas; Fresh salsa or pico de gallo; Sliced avocado or guacamole; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish); Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

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Queso Chicken Tacos

Queso Chicken Tacos are a savory, cheesy, and satisfying twist on the classic taco. Tender chicken is seasoned, cooked, and then smothered in a rich, creamy queso sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth filling for soft tortillas. These tacos are quick to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at any taco night. Topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro, these tacos are the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Queso Chicken Tacos take the beloved combination of cheesy goodness and taco fillings to a whole new level. The creamy queso sauce perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken, adding richness and flavor that will have you coming back for more. Whether for a family dinner, casual gathering, or Taco Tuesday, these tacos are easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for everyone—cheese lovers and taco fans alike. The best part? They’re ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the queso sauce:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon diced green chilies (optional for some heat)

For the tacos:

8 small flour or corn tortillas
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or shredding it with a fork.
Make the queso sauce:
In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), add the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and cream cheese (if using). Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and diced green chilies (if using) to the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Once warm, place them on a serving plate and add the sliced or shredded chicken evenly across the tortillas. Pour the warm queso sauce over the chicken.
Top and serve:
Top the tacos with fresh salsa or pico de gallo, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 tacos.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, grilled vegetables, or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly taco option.
Spicy queso: Add more diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the queso sauce for extra heat.
Taco toppings: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for added crunch and freshness.
Queso options: Use a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, for a more complex queso sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover queso sauce and chicken in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet and reheat the queso sauce on low heat until warm, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Tortillas can be lightly reheated in a skillet before serving.

Queso Chicken Tacos

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience. Just shred the chicken and heat it in a skillet before assembling the tacos.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso sauce?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well for a smooth sauce.

Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the queso sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to restore the creamy texture if needed.

How can I make the queso sauce spicier?

For a spicier queso sauce, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to the sauce, depending on your preferred heat level.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can absolutely use corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them before serving to make them more pliable and prevent them from breaking.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

To keep the chicken juicy, be sure not to overcook it. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding to retain the juices.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and queso sauce separately. Reheat the chicken in a skillet and the queso sauce on low heat when ready to serve.

Can I make the tacos spicier?

To spice up these tacos, you can add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy salsa or hot sauce on top. You could also opt for a spicier queso or add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, with the added indulgence of creamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of seasoned chicken, warm queso sauce, and fresh toppings makes these tacos a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday or a special family meal, these tacos are sure to become a favorite. They’re quick, customizable, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?