Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this mouthwatering Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet recipe. Picture tender chicken, vibrant peppers, creamy cheese, all nestled on a seasoned bed of rice, coming together in just one pan. This Tex Mex delight is my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave something warm and cheesy without the hassle of a long cooking session.

The best part? That bubbling cheese blanket on top that adds an irresistible layer of gooey goodness. Whether it’s a cozy movie night with the family or a spontaneous dinner with friends, this skillet never fails to impress. The cheesy goodness is so inviting that my kids eagerly anticipate the moment they can dig in. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and clean up, this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is your answer.

Quick Benefits

• One-pan convenience for easy cooking and cleanup
• Versatile – easily customizable with different proteins and veggies
• Creamy, cheesy finish adds comfort and flavor to the dish
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for quick weeknight meals

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe Recipe

• Easy One-Pan Meal: Enjoy Tex Mex comfort food with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Cheesy and Creamy: Indulge in a bubbling cheese blanket that adds a creamy texture to every bite, making it irresistible for cheese lovers.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, or cheese to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a flexible recipe for everyone.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family and friends with this fail-safe dish that is perfect for movie nights, last-minute dinners, or family potlucks.
• Adaptable for All Seasons: Add seasonal ingredients like fresh corn in summer or roasted poblanos in fall to give the dish a unique twist and keep it exciting year-round.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dish in advance and freeze, then simply reheat and top with cheese for a quick and delicious meal ready to serve.
• Comforting and Flavorful: Serve piping hot with extra queso on the side for the ultimate comfort food experience that will bring joy to your meals.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Minute rice
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
• Gordo’s cheese dip, for topping
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pro Tips for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Pro Tip #1: To avoid overcooking the rice, add pre-cooked rice at the end and heat through briefly before serving. This will ensure the rice maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.

Pro Tip #2: If you don’t have Gordo’s Cheese Dip, feel free to substitute it with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any melty cheese of your choice for a rich and creamy topping. Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

Pro Tip #3: Customize the dish by swapping chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor and texture. Add jalapeños or spicy fajita seasoning to increase the heat level according to your taste preference. Prepare everything ahead of time, except the cheese topping, for easy assembly and reheating before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Chicken with Seasoning

Combine diced chicken and fajita seasoning in a skillet. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquids

Combine Minute rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, stirring well to evenly distribute the rice.

Step 4: Simmer and Rest

Simmer mixture for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit until rice absorbs broth.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle Gordo’s cheese dip over dish before serving while warm.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze portions for longer storage, transfer the dish to freezer-safe bags, arrange them flat for quicker thawing, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen portions, gently reheat in a pan with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture.

To maintain the best flavor and texture of the dish, it is recommended to reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop rather than using the microwave. You can customize this recipe by using different protein options like boneless thighs, cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. Feel free to add extra heat with jalapeños or spicier fajita seasoning according to your taste preference. By following these storage tips and variations, you can enjoy this Tex Mex comfort meal with a cheesy twist even on busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to change up the protein, consider swapping the chicken for pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or boneless thighs for a faster preparation. You can also experiment with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor and texture profile.

If you don’t have Gordo’s Cheese Dip on hand, feel free to substitute it with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any melty cheese of your choice for a rich and gooey topping. This allows you to customize the flavor profile based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the amount of spicy fajita seasoning to the dish to boost the heat level. This simple adjustment can cater to individual taste preferences and add an extra layer of flavor to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a build-your-own fajita bar using this queso chicken fajita skillet recipe. Lay out warm tortillas, bowls of sour cream, chopped cilantro, salsa, and crispy tortilla strips as toppings for guests to customize their own cheesy burritos. This way, everyone can create their perfect Tex Mex creation.

To take this dish to the next level, serve the queso chicken fajita skillet in individual cast iron skillets. Top each skillet with an extra layer of melty cheese before quickly broiling to achieve a bubbly finish. The sizzling presentation will not only impress your guests but also keep the cheesy goodness warm until they are ready to dig in.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gordo’s Cheese Dip?

Yes, you can use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any other melty cheese as a replacement for Gordo’s Cheese Dip to create a rich topping for your queso chicken fajita skillet.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in advance, except for the cheese dip topping. Freeze the prepared ingredients in a freezer bag, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then heat in a skillet before adding the cheese just before serving for optimal freshness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add jalapeños or use a spicier fajita seasoning to increase the heat level of your queso chicken fajita skillet according to your taste preference.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can swap the chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives to change the flavor and texture of the dish, offering different variations for your queso chicken fajita skillet.

Conclusion

I hope this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. The convenience of one-pan cooking combined with the delightful flavors of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and that irresistible cheesy finish makes this dish a winner every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this skillet is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by switching up ingredients or adding your favorite toppings. The beauty of the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet lies in its versatility and how easily it adapts to different preferences. So, go ahead and experiment with different cheeses, veggies, or even proteins to create a version that suits your taste buds perfectly. Remember, cooking should be a joyful experience, and this skillet dish is here to make every mealtime a delicious and comforting affair. Enjoy your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Tex Mex comfort meets weeknight ease in this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, a creamy, cheesy one-pan wonder with tender chicken and vibrant peppers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time15 min

Total Time25 min

CuisineTex-Mex

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 skillet)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Minute rice
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
• Gordo’s cheese dip, for topping
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Cook Chicken with Seasoning: Combine diced chicken and fajita seasoning in a skillet. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked.
3. Combine Rice and Liquids: Combine Minute rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, stirring well to evenly distribute the rice.
4. Simmer and Rest: Simmer mixture for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit until rice absorbs broth.
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle Gordo’s cheese dip over dish before serving while warm.