Hey there, my mom tribe! Vivien here, ready to share another sanity-saving recipe with you all. Let’s be honest, the 5 PM panic is REAL. We’re juggling school pickups, mountains of laundry, and the never-ending quest to feed our little humans something (anything!) that resembles a balanced meal. That’s where these Queso Chicken Tacos come in.
I remember the first time I made these. It was a Tuesday, the kids were hangry, and I was staring into the fridge wondering what on earth I could pull together. I had some chicken, some cheese, and a desperate craving for tacos. And so, these Queso Chicken Tacos were born! They’ve become a staple in our house because they’re quick, easy, and even my pickiest eater devours them. If you need a delicious and easy meal check out my recipe for Pretzel Crusted Chicken.
Consider this your invitation to join me in the beautiful chaos of the kitchen. I’m here to help you feed your family without losing your mind, one Queso Chicken Tacos at a time. I promise, these Queso Chicken Tacos will become your new best friend. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s gather our supplies. Don’t worry, this ingredient list is short and sweet because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 taco shells (hard or soft, your call!)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole
No Rotel on hand? No worries! I often use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies in my Queso Chicken Tacos. You can grab everything you need for this Queso Chicken Tacos recipe at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. This Queso Chicken Tacos recipe doesn’t have to break the bank; use store-brand cheese and canned goods to keep costs down.
Here’s a mom hack that saved my sanity: I buy the pre-shredded cheese to save time. I’m all about shortcuts! For leftovers, store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. My family loves when I add a dollop of sour cream and some extra cheese to their Queso Chicken Tacos. It’s all about making it your own!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Chicken Queso Tacos Recipe is so simple, even on the craziest of weeknights.
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Trust me, a slow cooker is a mom’s best friend!
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile while it simmers!
- Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks right in the slow cooker. It should shred easily. Don’t panic if your Queso Chicken Tacos looks a little watery at this point; just give it a good stir.
In my chaotic kitchen, this Queso Chicken Tacos usually takes about 15 minutes of prep time. While the chicken is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Here’s where I used to mess up my Queso Chicken Tacos: I would forget to soften the cream cheese, making it lumpy. Learn from my mistakes! Now, that you have the Chicken Queso Tacos Recipe ready to go, you’ll never have to worry about “Whats for Dinner” again!
Once the chicken is shredded and the Creamy Queso Chicken Tacos is ready, warm your taco shells according to package directions. Fill each shell with the Spicy Queso Chicken Tacos mixture and add your favorite toppings. Your Queso Chicken Tacos should smell amazing by now, so call the family to the table! For another cheesy chicken recipe, check out more ideas here.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family absolutely devours these Queso Chicken Tacos. The kids love when I serve it with a side of black beans and rice. It’s a complete meal that everyone enjoys! These Queso Chicken Tacos are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying. Plus, they’re always a hit at potlucks and casual get-togethers. For another party pleaser, try my White Chicken Chili.
I like to present these Queso Chicken Tacos in a taco holder for easy serving. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day. I often use the Queso Chicken Tacos mixture to make quesadillas or nachos. In the summertime, I like to add some grilled corn to the Queso Chicken Tacos for a seasonal twist. A neighbor told me my Queso Chicken Tacos are the best she’s ever had! It made my day!
These Queso Chicken Tacos remind me of another family favorite, my Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe. Both are easy, cheesy, and perfect for a crowd.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions about these Queso Chicken Tacos. I’m here to help you every step of the way!
- Can my picky eater handle this Queso Chicken Tacos? Absolutely! You can customize the toppings to suit their preferences. My picky eater loves them with just cheese and sour cream.
- What if I burn my Queso Chicken Tacos? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Since it’s made in the slow cooker, burning is unlikely. But if it seems dry, add a little chicken broth or water.
- Can I make this Queso Chicken Tacos ahead for meal prep? Yes! Make the chicken mixture on Sunday and store it in the fridge. Then, just warm it up and assemble the tacos during the week.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Of course! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would be delicious in these Queso Chicken Tacos.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and taco shells.
- How can I make this Queso Chicken Tacos spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some extra diced green chilies to the mixture.
I made a mistake once by adding too much taco seasoning to my Queso Chicken Tacos and it made it way to spicy. My family loves when I add a little bit of lime juice to brighten up the flavor of my Homemade Queso Chicken Tacos. These tips, tricks, and fails have been tried and true in my very own kitchen.
Final Thoughts:
These Queso Chicken Tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a symbol of our family’s love for quick, easy, and delicious meals. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to our dinner table. I hope these Queso Chicken Tacos become a staple in your house, just like they are in mine.
Here are my Queso Chicken Tacos Mom Hacks:
- Prep ahead: Make the chicken mixture on the weekend and store it in the fridge.
- Use shortcuts: Buy pre-shredded cheese and canned goods to save time.
- Customize toppings: Let everyone add their favorite toppings to make it their own.
Here are some family-tested Queso Chicken Tacos variations:
- Spicy: Add extra green chilies or cayenne pepper. My husband loves this version!
- Creamy: Add an extra dollop of cream cheese. The kids are big fans of this one.
- Veggie-packed: Add some grilled corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers. This is my personal favorite.
I encourage you to make this Easy Queso Chicken Tacos recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. My hope is that this recipe brings you as much joy and sanity as it has brought me. So go ahead, kitchen warriors, give these Queso Chicken Tacos a try. You’ve got this!
Queso Chicken Tacos
These Queso Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor! Juicy shredded chicken is smothered in creamy queso and loaded into warm tortillas for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 375F for 20-25 minutes.
- Shred chicken with two forks.
- Stir in queso dip until chicken is evenly coated.
- Spoon queso chicken mixture into warm tortillas.
- Top with desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.