Name: Queso Chicken Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 tacos
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh; 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños, plus 2 tablespoons of the juice; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 12 corn or flour tortillas; Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, extra cilantro, lime wedges

Queso Chicken Tacos: Prepare to meet your new weeknight obsession! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, dreamy queso sauce, all nestled in a warm tortilla. Sounds divine, right? These aren't just tacos; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and I'm so excited to share this recipe with you.

While the exact origins of the Queso Chicken Tacos are a bit hazy, the combination of Tex-Mex flavors is undeniable. Queso, with its rich, cheesy goodness, has long been a staple in Southwestern cuisine, bringing comfort and warmth to any meal. Tacos, of course, have a vibrant history rooted in Mexican culture, evolving from simple street food to a globally beloved dish. Marrying these two culinary powerhouses creates a symphony of taste that's both familiar and exciting.

What makes these tacos so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy queso contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken, while the soft tortilla provides the ideal vessel for all that deliciousness. Plus, they're incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole to create your perfect taco masterpiece. Whether you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Queso Chicken Tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience taco night like never before!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh

For the Queso:

1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños, plus 2 tablespoons of the juice
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Tacos:

12 corn or flour tortillas
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, extra cilantro, lime wedges

Preparing the Chicken:

First, we're going to get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. Don't worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; we'll finish that later.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure to get both sides coated well.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial for maximum flavor!
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Give it a good mix and set aside while you prepare the queso.

Making the Queso:

Now, let's move on to the star of the show: the queso! In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. This is important – don't let it burn! Low and slow is the key here.
Once the cheese is melted and smooth, add the chopped pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a little more jalapeño juice for extra flavor.
Keep the queso warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until you're ready to assemble the tacos. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Assembling the Queso Chicken Tacos:

Time to put everything together! Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven. I prefer using a dry skillet for a slightly charred flavor.
Lay out the warm tortillas on a clean surface.
Spoon a generous amount of the shredded queso chicken onto each tortilla. Don't be shy!
Drizzle a generous amount of the warm queso over the chicken. This is where the magic happens!
Add your favorite toppings. I like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and extra cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is also a great addition.
Fold the tortillas in half or roll them up, depending on your preference.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Queso Chicken Tacos!

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: If you like your tacos extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicier variety of Rotel. You can also add more jalapeños to the queso.
Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the queso. Pepper jack cheese would add a nice kick, or you could use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Slow cooker option: For an even easier preparation, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the chicken ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker to simmer for another 30 minutes before assembling the tacos.
Grilling the chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of searing them in a skillet. Grill them until cooked through, then shred and proceed with the recipe.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian option.
Serving suggestions: Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. They're also great with tortilla chips and salsa.
Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken and queso ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them and assemble the tacos.
Leftovers: Leftover queso chicken can be used in quesadillas, nachos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Enjoy your homemade Queso Chicken Tacos! They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Queso Chicken Tacos are truly a game-changer. From the incredibly flavorful, creamy queso chicken to the customizable toppings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I've made these tacos countless times, and they're always a hit, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. The ease of preparation combined with the explosion of flavors makes them a must-try for any taco lover. But why are these tacos a must-try? It's simple: they're unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. The queso sauce, infused with the perfect blend of spices, elevates the humble chicken to a whole new level. Forget dry, bland chicken tacos – these are juicy, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, swap out the chicken for shredded pork or beef, or experiment with different toppings to create your own signature version. Speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the queso sauce or use a hotter variety of salsa. If you're looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the queso. And don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! I love adding pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema. As for serving suggestions, these Queso Chicken Tacos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing corn salad. For a complete meal, you could also add a side of guacamole and tortilla chips. And don't forget the drinks! A cold Mexican beer, a refreshing margarita, or even just a simple glass of iced tea would be the perfect accompaniment. I've found that these tacos are also great for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and make the queso sauce ahead of time, then simply assemble the tacos when you're ready to eat. This makes them a perfect option for busy weeknights or for packing lunch. Just store the chicken and queso separately from the tortillas to prevent them from getting soggy. Ultimately, the best part about these Queso Chicken Tacos is that they're so easy to customize to your own tastes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect taco. The recipe is just a starting point – let your creativity run wild! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I'm confident that you'll love these Queso Chicken Tacos as much as I do. They're the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and fun. I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it's so easy to make that you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Now, I want to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? What variations did you try? Share your experiences in the comments below! I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Let's spread the taco love! I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy cooking!