If you have ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked to perfection, bathed in a rich, creamy queso sauce loaded with Mexican spices and melty cheese — all made effortlessly in one skillet. This dish is all about comfort without fuss, boasting vibrant flavors that will brighten up any weeknight dinner and bring everyone to the table with eager smiles. Whether you serve it over rice, stuff it into tortillas, or scoop it up with tortilla chips, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential for building the irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color that define the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe. Each element plays a starring role, from the spices that create depth to the creamy cheese that ties everything together.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and building flavor at the start.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky kick to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy depth that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Offers a fresh, slightly tangy base with a gentle heat.
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium): Injects brightness and additional flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The key to the luxuriously creamy queso sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly for that signature cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Lime wedges for serving (optional): A citrusy pop to balance the richness.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle over chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The spices will toast lightly, coating each piece and infusing every bite with a mouthwatering aroma. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. This is the flavorful foundation of your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Salsa
Reduce the heat to medium and gently fold in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa. These ingredients introduce a luscious, saucy texture with just the right touch of zest and mild heat. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Queso Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring steadily to blend it smoothly with the tomato mixture. As the sauce begins to bubble softly, add the shredded Mexican blend cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into a velvety, rich sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly and coats every piece of chicken with cheesy bliss.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. This final touch adds a bright flavor contrast that cuts through the richness, making each bite vibrant and fresh. Serve your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe hot, garnished with lime wedges if you like a zesty squeeze to elevate the experience even further.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh cilantro and lime wedges are classic choices, don’t hesitate to get creative. A dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or even pickled jalapeños can add delightful layers of flavor and texture. These little extras transform the dish from wonderful to wow-worthy in an instant.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or even cilantro-lime rice to soak up all that creamy queso sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. Tortilla chips on the side also make fantastic dippers, turning every meal into a fun, interactive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Use your skillet chicken con queso as a filling for tortillas or even stuff it into bell peppers for a colorful presentation. You can also pile it over nachos or mix it into baked potatoes for an indulgent Tex-Mex twist. There’s no shortage of ways to make this dish uniquely yours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick, ready-to-eat meals during busy weeks.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Just let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months without losing that creamy, cheesy magic.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. If needed, add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time, especially on busy days. Just stir in the shredded chicken after the queso sauce is prepared, warming it through gently.
How spicy is Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe?
The spice level tends to be mild to medium depending on the salsa you choose. You can easily adjust it by selecting a mild or medium salsa or adding jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure the salsa you use is labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While traditional queso relies on cheese and cream, you can experiment with dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream to create a similar creamy effect keeping it dairy-free.
What can I serve with Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe for a family dinner?
Rice, tortillas, or a crisp salad are all great options. A side of black beans or corn salsa also complements the dish nicely and keeps the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and soul-soothing comfort all in one pan. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners — I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skillet Chicken Con Queso is a rich and creamy Tex-Mex dish made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and melted Mexican blend cheese. This comforting one-pan meal combines the zest of chili powder and cumin with a smooth cheese sauce, perfect for serving over rice, in tortillas, or with chips.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season evenly with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Salsa: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
- Make the Queso Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture gently bubble, then add the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer and Finish: Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, ensuring it thickens slightly and coats the chicken pieces evenly. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve the Skillet Chicken Con Queso hot, accompanied by lime wedges if desired. This dish goes wonderfully over rice, inside tortillas, or alongside tortilla chips.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, inside soft tortillas, or with crunchy tortilla chips as a dip.
- To save time, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken; stir it in after preparing the sauce.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
