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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until hot but not smoking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with cheese and garnish: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro as desired.
- 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
