Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
If there’s one dinner that turns even the busiest weeknight into a celebration, it’s this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe. Imagine golden seared chicken smothered in an ultra-creamy, fiesta-ready cheese sauce, dotted with green chiles and crowned with bold spices. From its irresistible molten cheese pools to how quickly it comes together, this is a Tex-Mex masterpiece destined to become your household legend. Every bite packs juicy protein, luscious queso, and that unmistakable home-cooked comfort — all in one skillet!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of pantry staples and just a few fresh touches create pure magic in this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe. Every ingredient has a delicious purpose, from the smoky spices that wake up the chicken to the dual cheeses that make that signature queso stretch.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless and cut bite-sized so you get juicy and tender morsels in every forkful.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden edge and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Chili powder: The Tex-Mex essential, adding gentle heat and depth to your chicken.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, this spice brings the cozy, unmistakable flavor of classic Mexican dishes.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with easy, all-over savory goodness.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor base with a mellow allium note.
- Smoked paprika: A pinch of smoky flair that makes the whole dish pop.
- Salt + black pepper: The classics, unlocking all those great flavors.
- Butter: Starts off your queso sauce rich and silky.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens your queso to that craveable, coat-the-chicken consistency (swap with gluten-free flour if needed!).
- Whole milk & heavy cream: For best-ever creaminess and a sauce that’s velvety smooth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melted in for bold cheddar punch and irresistibly gooey sauce.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Delivers buttery melt and mild richness that balances the sharp cheddar.
- Diced green chiles: Just a touch of tangy, mild heat — Tex-Mex wouldn’t be the same without them!
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a spicy kick if you love things extra bold.
- Toppings: Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños bring freshness, coolness, and color galore.
- Serving options: Your choice of fluffy cooked rice or warm tortillas to soak up all the cheesy sauce!
How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until every bite is beautifully coated. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes. The goal: gorgeous golden edges and completely cooked-through pieces. Don’t be afraid of a little color — those brown bits mean deep flavor!
Step 2: Move Chicken Aside and Begin Queso Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and irresistibly fragrant, transfer it to a plate and keep it cozy. In the same skillet (no need to clean), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in the flour and let it bubble for a minute — this quick roux helps thicken your queso and smooth out the sauce so it’s dreamy, not clumpy.
Step 3: Add Milk and Make It Creamy
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure no lumps remain. Patience here pays off! As you whisk and stir, watch as the sauce thickens after 2–3 minutes. You’re setting the stage for the cheese to melt like silk.
Step 4: Stir in Cheeses and Chiles
Turn your heat down a bit and get ready for the best part! Add in both shredded cheeses, the drained green chiles, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want some extra excitement. Stir constantly — the cheese should melt smoothly into the sauce, transforming it into a creamy, bubbling queso blanket.
Step 5: Combine and Warm It All Through
Gently return your cooked chicken (and any tasty juices) to the skillet. Fold everything together, making sure every chicken piece gets drenched in that cheesy heaven. Let the mixture warm through for another 2–3 minutes until the flavors meld and everything is piping hot.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Spoon this luscious Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe over rice or scoop it into warm tortillas for instant bliss. Don’t forget to load up on fresh garnishes for color, crunch, and zing!
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
Garnishes
For maximum Tex-Mex flair, shower your Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe with chopped fresh cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes, and plenty of sliced jalapeños. The cilantro adds a fragrant burst of herby freshness, tomatoes offer sweet contrast, and jalapeños bring that classic hint of heat. These simple toppings elevate every bite and make your skillet look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish loves good company. Fluffy cooked rice is perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious queso, while warm tortillas turn each serving into a hearty wrap. For a full Tex-Mex spread, add black beans, corn salad, or even a crunchy green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. Salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips on the side are always a welcome bonus!
Creative Ways to Present
Give this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe a fun twist by serving it nacho style: pour it over tortilla chips and pile on the toppings for a party platter. Or, offer it as a dip alongside chunky salsa and veggie sticks for get-togethers. You can even use it as a filling for enchiladas or spoon it into individual skillet pans for a bistro-style touch at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your lunch will be the envy of your office the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the cheese sauce may separate slightly when reheated, but a good stir as you warm it up will bring everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken con queso in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is thickened. Stir frequently until hot and creamy again. For microwave reheating, use 50 percent power to prevent the cheese from breaking, stirring every 30 seconds for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed. The flavors and texture only get richer.
Is this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free with one simple swap: use your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for the queso. All the other ingredients should fit most gluten-free diets, but as always, double-check your brands!
What’s the best way to make it spicier or milder?
To amp up the heat, add extra jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or swap in pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack. For a milder version, skip the cayenne and use mild green chiles. The beauty of the Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is you can dial up or down the spice to fit your family’s tastes.
Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat on low, stirring well, then add your freshly cooked or reheated chicken right before serving for best results.
What else can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe is one of life’s great joys! Spoon it over roasted veggies, pile onto baked potatoes, or stuff it into quesadillas. It also makes an incredible Tex-Mex omelet filling the next morning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers creamy comfort, bold flavor, and serious weeknight wow-factor, this Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s fun to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds. Go ahead, gather your favorite people, and let this become your own new tradition!
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Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce served over rice or in tortillas. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the queso sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles (drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For serving:
- cooked rice or tortillas
- chopped cilantro
- diced tomatoes
- sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the queso sauce: In the same skillet, make a creamy cheese sauce with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and green chiles.
- Combine and serve: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the queso sauce, and heat through. Serve over rice or in tortillas with garnishes.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- For extra spice, stir in hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
- This dish also makes a great nacho topping or dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
