Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy comfort with the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex, this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken seasoned perfectly and nestled into a rich, luscious queso sauce combined with savory rice and fresh toppings—a simple, fuss-free meal that bursts with warmth and homestyle love. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers incredible flavor and satisfying textures all from one pan, making your kitchen smell like a fiesta in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe? You’ll love how each ingredient is straightforward yet essential, contributing to a perfect harmony of taste, color, and texture that feels both cozy and exciting.

• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken until golden and juicy, this adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
• Chicken breasts (cubed): The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up that delicious seasoning and queso sauce.
• Taco seasoning: Brings all the classic Tex-Mex spices like cumin and chili powder, making the chicken irresistibly flavorful.
• Water: Helps to evenly coat the chicken with seasoning and keeps everything moist.
• Half and half: Adds creaminess to the rice and queso mixture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
• Instant white rice: Cooks quickly and soaks up all those bright flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Queso blanco: The creamy heart of the dish, whether homemade or store bought, melted perfectly to create that iconic queso sauce.
• Salsa (thin restaurant style): Adds tang and just the right amount of zest to balance the richness.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brings fresh, herbaceous notes and a burst of green color.
• Green chiles (drained can): Give this dish a subtle kick and smoky depth.
• Pico de gallo: Adds juicy freshness and a little crunch that brightens every forkful.
• Mexican blend cheese (shredded): Topping the dish to melt into a golden, bubbly finish under the broiler.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the cubed chicken breasts. The goal here is to get the chicken nicely seared, locking in all those juicy flavors. As the chicken cooks, it will start to turn golden and smell incredible.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken cubes, turning them carefully to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Pour in the water—it helps the seasoning cling to the chicken without burning and keeps the meat juicy while cooking.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Keep turning the chicken to ensure it cooks through evenly. After about 6 to 8 minutes, your chicken should be perfectly cooked—tender and bursting with seasoning.

Step 4: Keep the Chicken Warm

Remove the chicken from the skillet, place it on a plate, and cover with foil to retain the heat and moisture for later when you combine everything.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Rice Base

In the very same skillet (no need for extra cleanup!), pour in the half and half and add the instant white rice. Stir them together to combine so the rice begins absorbing the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Stir in Queso and Salsa

Add the melted queso blanco and the thin restaurant-style salsa to the rice mixture. Stir it all thoroughly, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a low simmer, letting the rice cook snug and fluffy with all those rich, Tex-Mex flavors for about five minutes.

Step 7: Add Freshness and Heat

Mix in the chopped cilantro, drained green chiles, and pico de gallo. These fresh and mildly spicy ingredients brighten the dish beautifully and balance the creamy layers beneath.

Step 8: Return Chicken to Skillet

Now gently nestle the cooked chicken cubes back into the rice and queso mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed to soak up more flavor.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous cup of the Mexican blend cheese over the entire skillet, preparing it for the final melty magic moment.

Step 10: Melt the Cheese Under the Broiler

Place the skillet under your oven’s broiler for about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to catch that perfect golden bubbly cheese on top. Once melted, feel free to garnish with additional fresh cilantro for an inviting pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top always elevates this dish by adding a burst of green freshness and a delicate herbal aroma. You can also add a few slices of avocado or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creaminess and add some cooling contrast.

Side Dishes

This recipe fills up the skillet with all the essentials, but pairing Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe with crunchy tortilla chips or a light side salad with lime vinaigrette turns it into a complete Tex-Mex feast that will wow any crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve directly in the skillet placed on a wooden board with colorful napkins and small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and extra cheese alongside. This makes it perfect for sharing and enjoying the crackly cheese crust right away.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is quite common!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish successfully by storing it in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind cheese textures may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain wonderful. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or half and half to bring back creaminess without drying out the chicken. If you want to revive the melted cheese topping, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time and liquid accordingly to ensure it’s tender and absorbs all the flavors.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice is mild to moderate due to the taco seasoning and green chiles, but if you like it hotter, feel free to add jalapeños or a bit more salsa with heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. The queso and rice mixture will still be creamy and satisfying without the meat.

What type of queso blanco works best?

Either homemade queso blanco or a good-quality store-bought white queso works well. Just make sure it’s smooth and meltable to create the creamy sauce this dish is famous for.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice and queso mixture ahead but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh and assemble right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s unbelievably easy to make and perfect for any night you want something warm, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes an instant favorite for gatherings and cozy family dinners alike. So gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and let the deliciousness begin!

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