The aroma of sizzling chicken and vibrant bell peppers fills my kitchen, evoking memories of lively family dinners and laughter. This One-Pan Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort, proving that a quick meal doesn’t have to sacrifice taste. Within minutes, you can have tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese dip mingling together, creating an easy and family-friendly feast. One of the best parts? You’ll only need one skillet for this delightful recipe, making cleanup a breeze after a busy day. Plus, with its rich American-Mexican flair, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table. Are you ready to bring this vibrant dish to life? Let’s dive in! Why is this Skillet Recipe a Must-Try? Simplicity: This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want flavor without fuss. Flavor Explosion: The mix of sautéed chicken, bell peppers, and melty cheese creates an irresistible combination that will have your taste buds dancing! One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze with only one skillet used, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. Family-Friendly: With its vibrant colors and creamy textures, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit for family gatherings. Versatile: Feel free to customize it with extra veggies or proteins, ensuring everyone at your table leaves satisfied! For more quick ideas, don’t forget to check out my delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe for another family favorite. Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – This main protein is diced into small pieces for quicker cooking. For the Vegetables Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing, but you can substitute with avocado oil if desired. Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and flavor; feel free to use white or red onions as alternatives. Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Orange) – Provides nutrition and vibrant colors; swap for your favorite veggies if needed. For the Seasoning Fajita Seasoning – This mix brings traditional fajita flavors to the dish; a homemade spice blend works beautifully, too. For the Base Minute Rice – A quick-cooking rice that streamlines the recipe; replace it with other quick grains but watch the liquid ratios. Chicken Broth – Enhances the dish’s depth; for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a great substitute. Tomato Sauce – Adds moisture and acidity; diced tomatoes or tomato puree can be substituted if you prefer. For the Topping Gordos Cheese Dip – This creamy topping is essential for richness; any cheese dip or melted cheese can also be used. With these flavorful ingredients, your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet will be a delightful and satisfying meal for the whole family! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Step 1: Sauté Onions and Peppers Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion and a mix of colorful bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers start to soften, releasing their vibrant colors and sweet aroma. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Add the diced boneless skinless chicken breasts to the skillet, sprinkling fajita seasoning generously over the top. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cook the mixture for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, turning golden brown as it sears. Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids Once the chicken is cooked, stir in uncooked Minute Rice, followed by the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the rice to absorb the delicious broth. Step 4: Let It Sit Turn off the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet sit for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the remaining liquid. During this time, you’ll notice the rice puffing up and the dish becoming even more fragrant, combining all those wonderful flavors. Step 5: Add the Cheese Dip Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, uncover the skillet and spoon the rich Gordos Cheese Dip over the top. Allow it to melt and blend with the chicken and rice mixture for a creamy finish. If desired, place a lid back on the skillet for a minute to achieve extra gooeyness. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Carefully stir the melted cheese into the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet to combine all the ingredients. Serve warm, and consider garnishing with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. This easy and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner and sure to be a crowd-pleaser! How to Store and Freeze Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain quality. Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion out in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Serving Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to help bring back the creamy texture of the Gordos Cheese Dip in your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet. Expert Tips for Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Cut Uniformly: Ensure that the chicken is diced into even pieces for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Stir Frequently: Remember to stir the rice mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet. This will keep everything from burning and ensure an even cook. Veggie Crunch: Avoid overcooking the bell peppers and onions; you want them to maintain their texture. Cook just until they soften for a delightful crunch in every bite. Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy finish, consider placing a lid on the skillet for a minute after adding the Gordos Cheese Dip. This helps it melt perfectly into the dish. Spice It Up: If you’d like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to your fajita seasoning. This enhances the excitement of the flavors in your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet! Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Variations Feel free to sprinkle your own culinary magic on this dish and make it uniquely yours! Shrimp Twist: Swap out chicken for shrimp to create a seafood delight! Just sauté shrimp for a few minutes until they are pink and cooked through. Tofu Option: For a vegetarian edition, use firm tofu instead of chicken. Cube it and sauté until golden, absorbing all those lovely fajita spices. Extra Veggies: Add black beans or corn for added nutrition and a pop of sweetness. They’ll complement the existing flavors beautifully. Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’ll elevate your dish from delicious to downright exciting! Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheesy flair, try shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese instead of Gordos Cheese Dip. It melts wonderfully and offers a different taste! Healthy Grains: Substitute Minute Rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious boost. This change adds great texture and flavor while keeping it light. Creamy Additions: Stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt after cooking for a tangy finish. It’ll make every bite irresistibly creamy. Herb Infusion: For a fresh touch, add chopped cilantro or parsley at the end. It brightens the flavors significantly! Wherever your tastebuds take you, each variation is a step toward making this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet an unforgettable dish! Don’t forget to check out my favorite Skillet Chicken Thighs for more one-pan inspiration. What to Serve with Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Nothing brings loved ones together quite like a meal that delights the senses and warms the heart. Warm Tortillas: Perfect for scooping and wrapping, they add a comforting touch that complements the skillet’s flavors. Fresh Salsa: A vibrant blend of tomatoes, onions, and herbs, it adds a refreshing, zesty contrast to the creamy cheese dip. Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole enhances the dish with a cool flavor balance and a delightful creaminess. Cilantro Lime Rice: The citrusy notes of lime and fresh cilantro heighten the fajita essence, making each bite more invigorating. Black Beans: These hearty beans not only provide extra nutrition but also bring a satisfying texture that rounds out the meal. Chilled Mexican Beer: A light lager or blonde ale complements the spice of the fajitas, making it the ideal pairing for a casual dinner. Embrace the satisfying experience of your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet by creating a full spread that caters to every taste bud! Make Ahead Options These Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet ingredients are fantastic for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can dice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and mix the fajita seasoning up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The cheese dip can also be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge. Just before serving, sauté the veggies and chicken, then add the prepped rice, broth, and liquids, allowing everything to come together in just a few minutes. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delightful homemade dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor! Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe bell peppers for this dish? Absolutely! Choose bell peppers that are firm, shiny, and free from dark spots or blemishes. Ideally, they should feel heavy in your hands; this indicates they are fresh and juicy. The colors—red, green, or orange—should be vibrant and evenly colored, ensuring maximum flavor and crunch in your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet. How should I store leftovers from the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet? You want to store them properly for the best leftovers! Transfer any remaining dish into an airtight container once cooled, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before sealing to prevent condensation inside. Can I freeze the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet for later? Yes, you can! For freezing, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, ensuring you leave a little space at the top for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth for a creamy consistency. My chicken didn’t cook evenly in the skillet. What did I do wrong? Very common! Cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces is important to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can trap steam and lead to uneven cooking. Give each piece enough space to brown nicely—this should lead to perfectly tender chicken throughout your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet. Is this dish safe for kids or those with food allergies? Certainly! The Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is generally safe for kids, but be mindful of the specific ingredients. If your family has dairy allergies, consider substituting Gordos Cheese Dip with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You could also customize the spices; omit the fajita seasoning or use a mild version to suit your family’s taste preferences. Always check ingredient labels for any allergens before cooking! Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the boneless chicken breasts with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, or even chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the cheese dip with a vegan cheese alternative or a rich cashew cream. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet while keeping it plant-based! Delicious Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet for Easy Family Dinners Experience the flavor celebration of Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, perfect for family dinners without sacrificing taste. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsLet It Sit 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: American-MexicanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into small pieces for quicker cookingFor the Vegetables1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil if desired1 medium yellow onion can substitute with white or red onions2 cups bell peppers (red, green, orange) can swap for other veggiesFor the Seasoning1 tablespoon fajita seasoning store-bought or homemadeFor the Base1 cup Minute Rice or other quick grains1 cup chicken broth vegetable broth for vegetarian option1 cup tomato sauce can substitute diced tomatoes or tomato pureeFor the Topping1 cup Gordos Cheese Dip or any cheese dip or melted cheese Equipment large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion and a mix of colorful bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers start to soften.Add the diced boneless skinless chicken breasts to the skillet, sprinkling fajita seasoning generously over the top. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.Once the chicken is cooked, stir in uncooked Minute Rice, followed by the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes.Turn off the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the skillet sit for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the remaining liquid and puff up.Uncover the skillet and spoon the Gordos Cheese Dip over the top. Allow it to melt and blend with the chicken and rice mixture.Carefully stir the melted cheese into the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet to combine all the ingredients. Serve warm and garnish as desired. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2.5mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and warming on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
