Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors, this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is an absolute must-try. The perfect harmony of tender chicken, cheesy queso blanco, and vibrant Mexican-inspired ingredients all come together in one skillet dish that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is key to making a Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe that’s bursting with flavor, creamy texture, and just the right touch of spice. Each ingredient plays its part—from the tender chicken and rich queso blanco to the fresh cilantro adding brightness and the salsa providing that zesty kick.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
- Chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into cubes): The protein base; cubed for quick and even cooking.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic Mexican spice flavors in just a pinch.
- Water: Adds moisture to the taco seasoning for coating the chicken evenly.
- Half and half: Creates a creamy sauce that brings smoothness to the queso mixture.
- Instant white rice: Cooks quickly and soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
- Queso Blanco (White Queso), melted: The star cheese component delivering rich, melty, and authentic taste.
- Salsa (thin, restaurant-style): Adds tangy, fresh acidity to balance the creamy cheese sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Lends a fragrant, herbal brightness that’s essential in Mexican cuisine.
- Green chiles (4.5-ounce can, drained): Bring subtle heat and a slight smoky note that wakes up the flavors.
- Pico de gallo: Provides fresh crunch and a burst of vibrant color and flavor.
- Mexican blend cheese, shredded: Melts into the dish for extra cheesy indulgence.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss the cubed chicken with taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat each piece well, then add the chicken to the skillet. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the half and half, stirring to combine. Slowly add the melted queso blanco while continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that envelopes the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate Rice and Chiles
Add the instant white rice to the skillet along with the drained can of green chiles. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated in the cheesy, flavorful sauce and the chiles add their subtle heat. Cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the rice softens.
Step 4: Mix in Salsa, Cilantro, and Cheeses
Pour the thin salsa over the skillet mixture, then toss in the fresh cilantro and pico de gallo. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly—about 2-3 minutes. This final step makes the dish extra cheesy and irresistible.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring this skillet dish to life. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brightens each bite, while a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado add a cooling, creamy contrast that complements the queso sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside simple sides like warm corn tortillas, a crisp green salad, or some classic tortilla chips for scooping. These sides balance the richness of the dish and create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe loaded into crispy taco shells or as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. You can even turn it into a layered dip for parties by layering the chicken queso mixture with beans, guacamole, and shredded lettuce in a clear glass dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more after resting, making the dish taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese smooth and creamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts at medium power, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great, healthier alternative. Just remember it will take longer to cook, so you’ll want to cook it separately before adding it to the skillet.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning, but it’s easy to adjust by adding more chiles or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more spice.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of cubed chicken breasts?
Yes, shredded chicken works beautifully and can save you time. Just add it in during the sauce step to warm through and soak up the flavors.
Where can I find Queso Blanco?
You can find Queso Blanco in many grocery stores near the cheeses or Hispanic food aisles, or you can make a quick homemade version using mild white cheeses melted gently with milk or half and half.
What can I substitute for pico de gallo if I don’t have any?
Fresh salsa, diced tomatoes with onions and cilantro, or even a simple mix of chopped tomatoes and onion can easily stand in for pico de gallo.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and full of lively Mexican flavors. I can’t wait for you to make this and share it with your loved ones. It’s one of those recipes that invites everyone back for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Print
Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy melted queso blanco cheese, flavorful taco seasoning, and vibrant salsa to create a hearty one-pan dish. Served over instant white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo, this meal is both quick and delicious—perfect for a convenient weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into cubes)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Base and Cheese
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup Queso Blanco (White Queso), melted (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Salsa and Garnishes
- 1 cup salsa (thin, restaurant-style)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 can green chiles (4.5-ounce can, drained)
- ½ cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked chicken, then stir in 1 ½ tablespoons of water. Stir well, cooking for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, prepare the 2 cups of instant white rice according to package instructions, usually by boiling water and letting the rice absorb it until tender.
- Combine Cheese and Cream: In the skillet with chicken, pour in the half and half and melted queso blanco. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Add Salsa and Peppers: Stir in the salsa, drained green chiles, and chopped cilantro. Simmer the mixture for about 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Incorporate Rice and Cheese: Add the cooked instant rice to the skillet and mix well to combine. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the Skillet Chicken Con Queso onto plates and top with fresh pico de gallo and additional chopped cilantro for brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Use store-bought Queso Blanco for convenience or make it from scratch for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust the taco seasoning amount to your taste preference; less if you prefer mild, more for a spicier kick.
- Instant rice speeds up cooking, but you can substitute with regular rice if you have more time.
- For a lower-calorie version, substitute half and half with milk or a lighter dairy alternative.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
