Queso Chicken Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Queso Chicken Tacos are a cheesy, flavorful twist on classic tacos, combining tender shredded chicken with creamy queso sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos are quick to make and crowd-pleasing. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they deliver comfort food satisfaction in every bite.

ingredients

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

boneless skinless chicken breaststaco seasoningolive oilwaterqueso blanco or store-bought cheese dipflour or corn tortillasshredded lettucediced tomatoeschopped cilantrolime wedgesoptional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, avocado

directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and pour in water, then cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pan with a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

Warm the queso blanco in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and creamy.

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.

Assemble the tacos by layering shredded chicken, a generous drizzle of queso, and your choice of toppings.

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 tacos.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.

Try spicy queso for a little kick.

Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.

Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken and queso separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot.Stir and reheat queso slowly over low heat to avoid separation.Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain texture.

Queso Chicken Tacos

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken works great for this recipe.

What kind of queso should I use?

Queso blanco or any mild, melty cheese dip is ideal. Homemade or store-bought both work.

Can I make these tacos ahead?

You can prepare the chicken and queso ahead, but assemble just before serving for best results.

Are these tacos spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add heat with spicy queso, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

What toppings go well with queso chicken tacos?

Lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime all pair perfectly.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, shredded chicken freezes well. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Are flour or corn tortillas better?

Both work—flour for a softer bite, corn for a traditional taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese sauce alternative and check the taco seasoning for hidden dairy.

How do I keep tortillas warm?

Wrap in foil and place in a warm oven, or use a tortilla warmer.

Can I add beans?

Yes, black or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein and texture.

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Tacos offer a delicious fusion of cheesy goodness and savory chicken in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these tacos are quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. They’re bound to become a favorite in your weeknight meal rotation.

Print
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Queso Chicken Tacos

Queso Chicken Tacos

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tacos 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Queso Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and creamy twist on classic tacos, featuring tender shredded chicken smothered in cheesy queso sauce, served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup queso cheese sauce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp taco seasoning
  • 6 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add shredded chicken and taco seasoning, stirring to coat evenly and heat through, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in queso cheese sauce and mix until well combined and heated.
  4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft.
  5. Spoon the queso chicken mixture into each tortilla.
  6. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lettuce, and sour cream as desired.
  7. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • Substitute queso with a homemade cheese sauce if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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