queso chicken fajita skillet

This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet hits all the best parts of Tex Mex comfort in just one pan with tender chicken vibrant peppers creamy cheese and a bed of seasoned rice. It is my go to for a weeknight meal when my family craves something warm and cheesy but I do not want to spend all evening cooking or cleaning up.

I first threw this skillet together in a rush on a wild weeknight and now it is my failsafe crowd pleaser for movie nights or last minute dinners with friends.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose fresh or organic for the juiciest results and dice them for quicker cooking
• Olive oil: a classic choice for sautéing that keeps everything flavorful and moist
• Yellow onion: opt for one with firm skin and no soft spots for the best base flavor
• Red bell pepper: adds sweetness and beautiful color try to find one with shiny taut skin
• Green bell pepper: delivers a little zip and crunch pick one that feels heavy for its size
• Orange bell pepper: balances out the other peppers with subtle sweetness look for a deep orange tone
• Fajita seasoning: use a quality blend for punchy flavor or make your own if you like
• Minute rice: cooks fast and soaks up all the delicious juices choose white or brown
• Chicken broth: gives more richness than water reach for unsalted so you can control the sodium
• Tomato sauce: brings all the ingredients together with a splash of acidity smooth texture is best
• Gordos cheese dip or your favorite queso: for that creamy finishing touch choose real cheese for boldest flavor

Instructions

Prepare your pan:

Place a large skillet on the stove and heat the olive oil over medium high until it shimmers This creates your nonstick base for sautéing

Sauté onions and peppers:

Add diced onion and all three bell pepper colors to the hot skillet Stir frequently and cook for two to three minutes until they just begin to soften This step releases all those sweet aromas and softens the veggies for a balanced bite

Cook the chicken:

Add diced chicken right into the skillet Sprinkle fajita seasoning evenly over everything Stir well and cook for seven to eight minutes stirring occasionally so the chicken browns and cooks through Letting the seasoning hit the hot pan at this stage brings out deeper flavor instead of just adding it at the end

Add rice tomato sauce and broth:

Pour in the Minute rice chicken broth and tomato sauce Stir everything together so the rice is submerged in liquid and each grain gets infused with spices and sauce Keep stirring until it comes to a gentle simmer which takes about two minutes

Let it rest:

Turn off the heat Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes so the rice soaks up all the liquid and turns fluffy Rather than boiling out all the moisture this resting step lets the rice fully absorb rich flavors

Add cheese dip:

Generously spoon or drizzle Gordos cheese dip or your favorite queso over the top Wait until it melts into the rice for maximum creamy goodness Serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience

My favorite part is the bubbling cheese blanket on top It reminds me of my sister’s kitchen where no meal was complete without a layer of gooey queso Melting the cheese only at the end gives you that creamy effect with every bite My kids usually hover around the skillet waiting for the signal to dig in

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If you want to freeze portions transfer to freezer safe bags and arrange flat for the quickest thaw and reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth to bring it back to that creamy texture

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap chicken for boneless thighs or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken if you are short on time Any color bell peppers work so use what you have For a vegetarian version use drained black beans in place of chicken and swap chicken broth for veggie broth

Serving Ideas

Spoon the finished dish into warm tortillas and roll into cheesy burritos Serve with a dollop of sour cream a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or your favorite salsa For extra crunch sprinkle on crispy tortilla strips just before serving

A Bite of Tex Mex History

Fajitas hail from Texas cattle ranches where ranch hands grilled skirt steak right on the fire Today the skillet method is a shortcut that delivers the same satisfying flavors without having to fire up the grill Queso has always been a dinner table staple in my Tex Mex meals bringing that party feeling even to a busy Tuesday

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer try adding fresh corn kernels for sweetness For fall use roasted poblanos or butternut squash instead of one bell pepper for a twist To make it a heartier winter dish top with extra cheese and tuck it under the broiler for a bubbly finish

Success Stories

We have brought this skillet to every family potluck where it never lasts long Last time I made a double batch for a team lunch at work and not a scrap was left The recipe adapts happily to extra veggies or spicy cheese for those who love heat

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make ahead just assemble everything but the cheese dip and freeze in a freezer bag Thaw in the fridge overnight Dump into a skillet and heat until bubbling stirring in water as needed Add cheese just before serving so it stays melty and fresh

For ultimate comfort serve this skillet piping hot straight from the pan and do not forget extra queso on the side. This dish brings joy to weeknights and leftovers never last long in my house.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of Minute Rice?

Yes, add pre-cooked rice at the end and heat through briefly to avoid overcooking.

→ What other cheeses work for topping?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any melty cheese can replace Gordos Cheese Dip for a rich topping.

→ Is it possible to use other proteins?

Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for different flavor and texture options.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add jalapeños or spicy fajita seasoning to boost heat according to your taste preference.

→ Can this skillet be meal-prepped ahead of time?

Prepare everything except the cheese topping, then assemble and reheat before serving for best results.