Queso Chicken Tacos are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and flavorful seasoned chicken, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you’re craving a tasty Tex-Mex meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The gooey queso and tender chicken make these tacos irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make them your own.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts, diced or shredded
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Green chilies, diced (optional)
- Queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- Soft flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and taco seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add the Queso: Lower the heat and pour the queso dip over the chicken mixture. Stir to combine, letting it warm through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave. Spoon the queso chicken mixture into each tortilla.
- Top and Serve: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and any other toppings you love. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps.
- Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey, shrimp, or even tofu instead of chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken queso filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk if the queso thickens too much.
FAQs
How do I prevent my tortillas from falling apart?
Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken to save time and toss it with taco seasoning.
What type of queso works best?
A creamy, mild queso blanco works beautifully, but feel free to choose your favorite variety.
Are these tacos freezer-friendly?
It’s best to freeze the chicken and queso mixture separately. Reheat and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free queso and skip the sour cream.
What are the best toppings for queso chicken tacos?
Lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, pickled onions, and jalapeños all work wonderfully.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken with seasoning, onions, and garlic on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the queso before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas, and check your queso and seasoning for gluten to keep it safe.
Can I add rice or beans?
Of course! Add Mexican rice or refried beans inside the tacos or serve on the side.
How do I keep tacos warm for a crowd?
Wrap the assembled tacos in foil and keep them in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Queso Chicken Tacos are the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just craving a cheesy, flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and endless ways to customize, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out and watch these tacos disappear from the plate!
Print
Queso Chicken Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Queso Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of tender shredded chicken infused with zesty spices and creamy queso, all nestled in warm tortillas. This easy slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave a comforting, flavorful meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa con queso (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over the seasoned chicken.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Combine with Queso: Drain excess liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about ½ cup. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the salsa con queso until well combined.
- Heat Through: Cover and cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the queso chicken mixture into warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Queso Options: If salsa con queso is unavailable, substitute with a similar cheese dip or melted Velveeta cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a smoother consistency.
- Consistency Tip: If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover queso chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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