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 ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth (or water); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese; 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (optional, for extra flavor); 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 8 small soft flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred); Toppings: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, shredded lettuce, jalapeño slices, or salsa

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If you’re a taco lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then these Queso Chicken Tacos are about to steal the show. Picture this: juicy, seasoned chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with melty, cheesy queso, and a blend of fresh, flavorful toppings. It’s a taco dream come true! These tacos are loaded with flavor, from the tender chicken to the creamy, tangy queso that takes each bite over the top. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to impress. Trust me, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Queso Chicken Tacos

Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned chicken and creamy queso creates a mouthwatering balance that’s totally irresistible.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, these tacos are a quick solution for a satisfying dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Cheesy Goodness: Who doesn’t love melty, gooey queso? These tacos are loaded with all the cheese goodness you could ever want.
Customizable: Want to add extra heat? Throw in some jalapeños. Prefer a lighter option? Go for grilled veggies instead of the chicken. This recipe lets you make it your own!
Crowd-Pleaser: Tacos are always a hit, and these queso chicken tacos are no exception—perfect for taco nights, family meals, or even casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these cheesy, flavorful tacos:

For the Chicken:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too.
Taco Seasoning: For the perfect balance of spices. You can use store-bought or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a bit of richness.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brings a nice tang to balance out the richness of the queso.

For the Queso:

Cheese: A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gives the queso a creamy texture and perfect melty factor.

Cream Cheese: Helps to make the queso rich and smooth.
Milk: To thin out the queso and make it pourable.
Salsa: Adds flavor and a bit of a kick to the queso.

Jalapeños (optional): For a little extra heat—just add more if you like things spicy!

For the Tacos:

Soft Flour or Corn Tortillas: Choose your preferred tortillas to wrap up the delicious filling.
Toppings: Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced onions, or avocado for that perfect taco crunch and freshness.

Lime Wedges: To squeeze over the top for an extra burst of citrus.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these tacos made!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with taco seasoning, and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Step 2: Make the Queso

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the queso. In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese over medium heat. Add a splash of milk and stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the salsa and jalapeños (if using), and let the queso simmer for a few minutes until it’s thick and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Place a few strips of chicken in the center of each tortilla, then spoon a generous amount of queso on top. Add your favorite taco toppings—fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Fold the tortillas over the filling, and serve these cheesy chicken tacos hot! Be ready for the crowd to rave over them. Serve with extra queso on the side if you can’t get enough of that cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving of Queso Chicken Tacos (1 taco):

Servings: 4 servings (2 tacos each)

Calories per taco: 400 calories
Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 620mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
Protein: 29g

Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Queso Chicken Tacos

With Sides: These tacos pair perfectly with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
With Extra Queso: If you’re a queso lover, serve extra on the side for dipping!

With a Drink: A cold margarita, Mexican soda, or a chilled iced tea would be great accompaniments to these tacos.

Additional Tips

Taco Variations: If you’re not into chicken, try swapping it out for ground beef, shrimp, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option.
Make Ahead: You can make the queso ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeños to the queso. If you like it extra spicy, throw in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Meal Prep: These tacos are great for meal prep—cook the chicken and queso in advance, then just assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought queso for this recipe?

A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite store-bought queso. Just heat it up and drizzle over the chicken.

Q2: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

A2: Absolutely! Corn tortillas work perfectly for this recipe if you prefer them over flour.

Q3: Can I make these tacos spicier?

A3: For extra spice, add more jalapeños to the queso or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.

Q4: Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

A4: Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

Q5: Can I make the queso in advance?

A5: Definitely! You can prepare the queso a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A6: Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled veggies or black beans for a tasty vegetarian version.

Q7: How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

A7: Marinate the chicken for an hour or overnight in lime juice, garlic, and taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Q8: Can I add guacamole to these tacos?

A8: Of course! Guacamole would be a delicious topping that adds creaminess and a fresh twist.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?

A9: Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier queso or Colby Jack for a milder option.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?

A10: Store the leftover chicken and queso separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble tacos as needed!

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Tacos are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re perfect for any taco night or casual gathering, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you like your tacos mild or spicy, with all the toppings or just a few, this recipe is completely customizable. So grab your tortillas, heat up that queso, and get ready to enjoy the best tacos ever!