Name: Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 orange bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 packet fajita seasoning; 2 cups Minute rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces tomato sauce; Gordos cheese dip, to taste

If you’re seeking a bold, cheesy, and completely satisfying one-pan dinner, you’re about to fall in love with this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet. Bursting with juicy chicken, rainbow peppers, tender rice, and a blanket of creamy cheese dip, this dish delivers big Tex-Mex flavor with minimal fuss. Imagine the punchy sizzle of fajitas, the cozy comfort of a skillet meal, and the indulgence of molten queso, all coming together in a single, unforgettable bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is destined to be a winner at your table.

Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all simple kitchen staples, but they each play a crucial role in shaping the taste, texture, and colorful appeal of this dish. Bright veggies, savory chicken, zesty seasoning, and plenty of ooey-gooey queso come together so effortlessly you’ll want to make this every week.

Chicken Breasts: Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts take on the fajita spices and stay juicy, forming the hearty base of your skillet.
Olive Oil: This helps sauté the veggies and gives everything a light, flavorful richness.
Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic background that ties the veggies and chicken together beautifully.
Red Bell Pepper: Sliced red pepper offers a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
Green Bell Pepper: This bell pepper brings a subtle bitterness that balances the dish.
Orange Bell Pepper: With its mild flavor and vibrant hue, it makes the skillet even more eye-catching.
Fajita Seasoning: The packet is a blend of spices that instantly gives the dish authentic, south-of-the-border flair.
Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice is your shortcut to fluffy, tender grains that soak up all the flavors in no time.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice and other ingredients with extra savory depth and moisture.
Tomato Sauce: Brings a tangy richness that complements the spices and makes the rice extra tasty.
Gordos Cheese Dip: This is your luscious queso topping—use as much (or as little) as you crave for a gooey finish!

How to Make Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and all those colorful bell pepper strips. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften but still keep their gorgeous color. This quick sauté is the flavor foundation for your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Season

Add the diced chicken right into the skillet with your veggies. Immediately sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over everything (don’t be shy!). Cook for around 7 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through—you’re aiming for a juicy bite that registers 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomato Sauce

Stir in the Minute rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth all at once. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is coated and the liquid is evenly distributed. Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. This is where the flavors begin to marry and the rice absorbs all that delicious sauciness.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Once it’s simmered, turn off the heat but keep the skillet covered (or just let it sit). Letting the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet rest for a few minutes is the secret to perfectly fluffy, tender rice as it finishes soaking up the broth off the heat.

Step 5: Add the Queso and Serve

Now for the best part: spoon as much Gordos cheese dip as you like right over the hot skillet. Watch it melt into a rich, creamy queso blanket! Serve immediately while everything’s piping hot and glorious—you’re in for pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

Garnishes

The Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet shines when topped with a handful of garnishes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a few jalapeño rings if you want extra heat. Even a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream can add that final, fresh flourish!

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but it loves the company of some warm tortillas or a simple green salad. Try pairing with tortilla chips for scooping, refried beans, or some fresh pico de gallo to add more color, crunch, and traditional flavor to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your family or guests, serve the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet tableside in the same pan for that rustic, sizzling look. For a fun twist, spoon it into taco shells or stuff it into oven-warmed bell peppers. Leftovers? Roll them into burritos for an unbeatable lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet left, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick lunches or effortless dinners later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, let your skillet cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. The mixed chicken, rice, and peppers freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just remember to hold off on adding the cheese dip until reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole batch gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauciness. Once hot, add your Gordos cheese dip or queso on top for that freshly melted finish.

FAQs

Can I make Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet gluten-free?

Absolutely! Double-check your fajita seasoning and chicken broth for any hidden gluten, swap to a gluten-free variety if needed, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to customize the spice level?

If you like it hot, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne when cooking. Prefer it mild? Use a gentle fajita seasoning and skip extra peppers for a kid-friendly meal everyone can enjoy.

Is there a substitute for Gordos cheese dip?

If you can’t find Gordos, any creamy queso dip or jarred cheese sauce will work. You can even make your own cheese sauce from scratch for a personal touch!

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Shred rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 2 with the seasoning. Since it’s already cooked, just warm it through for a few minutes before proceeding with the rice and liquids.

What vegetables can I add or swap?

Feel free to get creative with this skillet. Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn make great additions and add even more texture and sweetness to your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet.

Final Thoughts

I hope this easy, flavor-packed Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet brings a burst of color, warmth, and cheesy goodness to your dinner routine. It’s a go-to favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy every gooey, satisfying bite—let me know how yours turns out!

Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe