Craving a meal that’s on the table in just half an hour yet feels like a cozy restaurant splurge? You’ll fall hard for this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe! With juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a dreamy, creamy cheese sauce, spiked with just the right amount of Tex-Mex flavor, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into something you seriously want to scoop straight out of the pan. If weeknight dinners need a pick-me-up, this is the skillet hero that delivers pure comfort and crowd-pleasing flair, whether you ladle it over fluffy rice or dig in with crisp tortilla chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe lies in its simple ingredient lineup: every item is easy to find, but each packs a punch for flavor, creaminess, or color. Use this list as your roadmap—every ingredient has a purpose, and when they come together, the magic truly happens!
- Chicken breasts: The star protein—boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for speedy, even cooking.
- Olive oil: For a golden sear and to keep everything tender and juicy in the skillet.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle heat and depth, creating an unmistakable Tex-Mex foundation.
- Cumin: One of those little game-changer spices that introduces earthiness and a warm aroma.
- Garlic powder: Adds savoriness to every bite and pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
- Onion powder: Lends sweetness and savor, rounding out the spice mix without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and highlighting the natural taste of the chicken.
- Black pepper: Just enough to perk up the flavors and add a subtle kick.
- Salsa: Choose mild or medium based on your spice tolerance—it creates the saucy, zesty backbone of this recipe.
- Heavy cream: Delivers a luscious, rich texture that turns the sauce creamy and utterly irresistible.
- Mexican blend cheese: Sharp, stretchy, and melty—exactly what you want for queso perfection in your skillet.
- Diced green chilies (optional): Toss them in for extra color, character, and a whisper of mild heat.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Garnish to add a vibrant burst of color and a pop of freshness at the finish.
- Cooked rice or tortilla chips: The classic partners, perfect for serving up every last bit of that golden queso goodness.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your biggest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and, as you sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, let the aroma start to fill the kitchen. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so every piece gets caramelized and cooked through. A bit of golden color means you’re on the right track!
Step 2: Build the Saucy Base
Drop the heat to medium, then introduce the salsa and, if you’re feeling bold, the diced green chilies. Give everything a gentle stir. This is where layers of flavor start to develop, and that Tex-Mex personality shines. Let everything bubble together for 2 to 3 minutes—just long enough for the salsa to mingle with the savory chicken.
Step 3: Make it Queso!
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Slowly stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese a handful at a time. Keep stirring as the cheese melts and the sauce transforms into a creamy, velvety dream. The goal: a smooth, cheesy sauce that lovingly coats every piece of chicken. Resist the urge to rush—this is the magic moment that makes the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe unforgettable!
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Slide the skillet off the heat and, if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro all over for a fresh, herby finish. The vibrant green really pops against the golden cheese sauce and add a little zip to every bite. This is your “wow” moment before serving!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Spoon the steaming queso chicken over fluffy rice or serve with a generous helping of tortilla chips for dipping. Get ready for empty plates or, more likely, friends and family shamelessly scraping the pan for “just one more scoop.”
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Garnishes
This dish goes from great to grand with just a few simple garnishes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a zesty, leafy finish, or top with sliced jalapeños if you crave a little zip. Even a handful of diced tomatoes or a squeeze of lime can make the colors and flavors sing—let your fridge inspire you!
Side Dishes
While this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is hearty enough for a meal on its own, it pairs dreamily with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, crisp corn salad, or a refreshing green salad. Tortilla chips are always a hit for scooping up the cheesy goodness, while soft, warm tortillas make the dish burrito-ready.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or simply want something fun, set up a build-your-own nacho bar with a skillet of chicken con queso as the centerpiece. Or serve it taco-style with all your favorite toppings. For a more elegant touch, spoon the creamy chicken into mini bell peppers or tuck it into quesadillas—everyone will love these Tex-Mex twists!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days and is just as tempting reheated the next day—lunch joy, guaranteed!
Freezing
While the cheesy sauce may separate slightly after freezing, you can absolutely freeze this dish for later. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out as much air as you can, and label with the date. Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce looks a bit thick or separated, add a splash of milk or cream and stir until smooth again. It reheats in the microwave, too—just cover loosely and use short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Why not! Using rotisserie chicken will save you even more prep time. Simply shred the cooked chicken, skip the browning step, and combine it with the spices and salsa in the skillet, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Is this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your salsa and chili powder are certified gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Easy fix! Swap in hot salsa, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix, or drizzle on your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can! Make the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat just before serving. Add a splash of cream if it needs loosening up.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A shredded Mexican blend works best for meltability and flavor, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack, depending on your taste and what’s on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an irresistible, quick dinner that hits all the right cozy notes, the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe won’t let you down. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating friends, get ready for some serious compliments—and perhaps no leftovers at all. Give it a try tonight and savor the cheesy, Tex-Mex comfort right from your own skillet!
Print
Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce served over rice or with tortilla chips. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Serving:
- Cooked rice or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken, season with spices, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat, add salsa and green chilies, then stir in cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot over rice or with tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add cayenne pepper.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker preparation.
- Try topping with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
