If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that delivers Tex-Mex comfort and irresistible, cheesy goodness, this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe will steal your heart. Imagine tender chicken, smothered in a creamy, spicy queso, topped with bubbling cheese and flecked with fresh cilantro. It comes together lightning-fast in one pan—perfect for any night when you want big flavor without all the fuss. One bite and you’ll see why this is my go-to for gatherings, cozy family meals, or simply a treat-yourself dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is all about bold flavors with easy-to-source ingredients. Each component brings something special: the chicken soaks up spices, the queso melts into creamy perfection, and the fresh garnishes make every bite pop.
- Olive oil: A light sauté in olive oil adds flavor depth and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook up quickly and absorb all the Tex-Mex spices beautifully.
- Chili powder: Offers a gentle kick and signature smoky warmth.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness for that classic con queso vibe.
- Garlic powder: Provides a mellow, savory backdrop, infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic, balancing the overall seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Contributes a lovely color while bringing out a sweet, mild flavor.
- Salt and pepper: The must-have duo, heightening every spice in the dish.
- Jarred queso or homemade cheese sauce: The creamy, melty star of the skillet—use your favorite!
- Chicken broth: Loosens the sauce just enough for the perfect pour-over consistency.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Liven up the sauce with texture, tang, and a whisper of heat.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, making every spoonful stretchy and satisfying.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and a final hit of freshness you won’t want to skip.
- Cooked rice or tortillas: Essential for scooping and enjoying every last bit of queso-laden chicken!
How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
First, grab your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook speedily and lets each piece get coated with flavor. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper, ensuring every morsel gets some love from those Tex-Mex spices.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Let it sizzle and develop a golden crust, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally but don’t crowd the pan—you want those irresistible brown edges!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Queso Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Now comes the velvety magic: stir in your jarred queso (or a batch of homemade cheese sauce), followed by chicken broth and the drained tomatoes with green chiles. Let everything marry and meld as it simmers for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening slightly as those Tex-Mex aromas fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle a full cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the chicken and queso mixture. Pop a lid on the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese will melt into a gloriously gooey blanket, practically begging for a big spoonful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and shower everything with chopped fresh cilantro. It brightens up all that creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe right away, either spooned over fluffy rice or tucked into warm tortillas for a Tex-Mex feast.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of fresh cilantro is classic, but don’t stop there! Thin-sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or even pickled jalapeños will take your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe to the next level. The right garnish adds both visual pop and layered flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe with whatever suits your cravings. I love serving it atop steaming white or cilantro-lime rice for an easy bowl dinner, but it’s equally fantastic with toasty tortillas—corn or flour, your call! Feel free to round out the plate with black beans, a simple avocado salad, or crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try pouring the warm chicken con queso into a wide, shallow platter and surround it with tortilla chips for dipping—almost like a dip-meets-main-course situation. Stuff it into bell peppers for a fun Tex-Mex twist, use it to top baked potatoes, or spoon it over nachos for an unforgettable game day upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Just let the chicken and queso cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and rich.
Reheating
To reheat, place your chicken con queso in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring each time for that perfectly gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just skip the initial searing step and shred your rotisserie chicken. Warm it in the skillet with the spices before continuing with the queso, broth, and toppings. It’s a fantastic way to save even more time on busy nights.
Is this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat, thanks to the chili powder and green chiles, but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you like extra heat, add jalapeños, your favorite hot sauce, or opt for a spicy queso version!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the queso and broth labels, and use gluten-free tortillas or serve over rice for a meal that everyone can enjoy without worry.
What’s the best queso to use for this recipe?
For a speedy dinner, jarred queso works great—choose one you like the flavor of. For a real treat, try making your own homemade queso with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses for extra flavor and melty texture.
Can I prepare Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe in advance?
You definitely can! Make the whole dish up to the point of garnishing, cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and enjoy as if it was just made.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to Tex-Mex flavors or already a die-hard fan, this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe just might become your new weeknight staple. It’s simple, fast, and packed with the irresistible combination of juicy chicken and creamy cheese. Give it a try—and don’t forget to dig in with your favorite toppings and sides!
Print
Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a cheesy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice or with tortillas. It’s a Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup jarred queso or homemade cheese sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice or tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in queso, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice or with tortillas.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute.
- Homemade queso elevates the flavor of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
