Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, flavorful chicken, then you absolutely have to try this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of spicy taco-seasoned chicken swimming in melted queso blanco, mixed with salsa and fresh herbs – all cooked up in one skillet for maximum ease and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this dish turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal bursting with Tex-Mex vibes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a wonderfully simple way, each playing a vital role. From the juicy chicken to the creamy queso and zesty salsa, every element brings something special to the table, creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and irresistible color.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is the foundation for sautéing the chicken to a golden perfection without sticking.
• 3 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into cubes): Tender protein that soaks up the taco seasoning beautifully.
• 1 ounce taco seasoning: Packed with spices that kick the flavor up a notch and give the dish its signature zest.
• 1 ½ tablespoons water: Helps to dissolve the seasoning and coat the chicken evenly.
• 1 cup half and half: Adds creaminess to the queso mixture, making it luxuriously smooth.
• 2 cups instant white rice: A quick-cooking base that absorbs all those tasty juices.
• 1 cup Queso Blanco (White Queso), melted (homemade or store-bought): The star cheesy ingredient, creamy and mild, perfect for blending.
• 1 cup salsa (thin, restaurant-style): Brings brightness and an extra layer of lively flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish): Fresh and fragrant, cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness.
• 1 can green chiles (4.5-ounce can, drained): Mild heat and a touch of smoky depth to balance the creaminess.
• ½ cup pico de gallo: Fresh chunks of tomato, onion, and jalapeño for contrast and crunch.
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top, sealing in all that gooey goodness.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed chicken and sear until each piece develops a nice golden crust. This browning step locks in flavor and texture, making the chicken juicy and inviting.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken and add the water. Stir to coat every bite with that vibrant blend of spices. Let the chicken simmer for a few minutes, allowing the seasoning to meld into the meat and create a tantalizing base.

Step 3: Add Creamy Ingredients

Lower the heat to medium and slowly stir in the half and half, followed by the melted queso blanco. This is where the magic happens – the sauce thickens and bubbles into a dreamy, velvety concoction that wraps itself all around the chicken.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Veggies

Mix in the instant white rice, salsa, chopped cilantro, and drained green chiles. Combine everything gently but thoroughly so each grain of rice soaks up the flavors, and the peppers and salsa bring freshness and a gentle kick.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the top of the skillet mixture, then transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or an equivalent baking dish into a preheated oven. Bake just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a golden, gooey crust that’s nothing short of irresistible.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro always elevates this dish with its bright, citrusy notes. Adding a dollop of cool sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top creates a lovely contrast to the warm, creamy queso and adds a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

This skillet chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or charred corn on the cob for some smoky sweetness. For a heartier option, serve alongside warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips – perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe straight from the skillet to the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. For a festive occasion, portion it into mini cast-iron skillets or even bust out some colorful ramekins for individual servings that look charming and keep everyone’s portion piping hot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Skillet Chicken Con Queso in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen over time, making the leftovers just as delightful (if not more) as the fresh batch.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. It’s best to freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and finish baking when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent the cheese from overcooking. Add a splash of milk or half and half to restore that creamy texture, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to freshen things up.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe?

Absolutely! While Queso Blanco and Mexican blend cheese are traditional and provide the ideal melty texture, you can experiment with Monterey Jack or even mild cheddar for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice in the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is mild to moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and green chiles. If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify that your salsa and queso are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a friendly option for those with sensitivities.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The rest of the recipe remains the same and still packs a flavorful punch.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?

Reheat slowly on low heat and add a splash of half and half or milk to keep the queso sauce creamy. Cover the pan to trap moisture, preventing the chicken and rice from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into this creamy, cheesy masterpiece – your taste buds will thank you!

Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe

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3.9 from 274 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe that combines tender chicken cooked in taco seasoning with creamy melted queso blanco, rice, salsa, and fresh cilantro. This easy one-pan meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a delicious family dinner.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Mixture

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into cubes)
• 1 ounce taco seasoning
• 1 ½ tablespoons water

Rice and Sauce

• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup Queso Blanco (White Queso), melted (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup salsa (thin, restaurant-style)
• 1 can green chiles (4.5-ounce can, drained)

Fresh Ingredients and Toppings

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• ½ cup pico de gallo
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until hot but not smoking.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle the 1 ounce of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken and add 1 ½ tablespoons of water. Stir to coat the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 8 minutes.
3. Add liquids and rice: Stir in 1 cup of half and half, 2 cups of instant white rice, 1 cup of melted Queso Blanco, 1 cup of thin restaurant-style salsa, and the drained green chiles. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer to absorb flavors: Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
5. Add fresh toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro and ½ cup of pico de gallo gently into the mixture.
6. Top with cheese and garnish: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro as desired.
7. Serve warm: Scoop portions onto plates and serve this comforting skillet chicken con queso immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

• Use freshly chopped cilantro for the best fresh flavor and garnish.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra salsa or chopped jalapeños.
• Instant white rice cuts down cooking time; substitute with pre-cooked rice if desired.
• Queso Blanco can be homemade or purchased from the store for convenience.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning and salsa are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican