Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet! Picture this: tender diced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy rice all swimming in a pool of gooey, melty queso—what’s not to love? The best part? This flavor-packed dish comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a casual movie night with friends, and it was an instant hit! The creamy cheese paired with the sizzling fajita spices creates a harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. I always make sure to load up on Gordos cheese dip for that extra indulgence, and my family loves customizing their servings with toppings like jalapeños or fresh cilantro.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or planning a cozy dinner in, this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a winner. With easy swaps like rotisserie chicken or different pepper varieties, you can customize this dish to suit your taste. So grab your skillet, whip up this cheesy goodness, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!

Quick Benefits

• Convenience: One-pan meal for easy cleanup and quick preparation.
• Flavorful: Combining juicy chicken, colorful peppers, fluffy rice, and melty queso for a festive taste.
• Customizable: Add toppings like jalapeños or cilantro to suit individual preferences.
• Versatile: Swap ingredients like rotisserie chicken or different peppers for variety and dietary needs.

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

• Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a festive meal that’s quick and easy to make.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooks up in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy juicy chicken, seared peppers, fluffy rice, and melty queso in every bite.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for movie nights or gatherings, where everyone will be coming back for seconds.
• Customizable: Add extra jalapeños, cilantro, or other toppings to tailor each serving to your preferences.
• Leftovers Friendly: Store and reheat easily, with the rice maintaining its texture well.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with swaps like rotisserie chicken, different peppers, or cheese options.
• Creative Serving Ideas: Create fajita burritos or a fajita salad, top with avocado, cilantro, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
• Tex Mex Tradition: Enjoy the flavors of sizzling fajitas in a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s full of big flavor.
• Family Favorite: A delicious and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups instant rice
• 0.5 yellow onion, diced
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 226 grams tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
• Gordos cheese dip, for topping
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips

Pro Tips for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

For an extra flavorful dish, marinate the diced chicken breasts in some fajita seasoning and olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more delicious Tex-Mex flavors.

To enhance the cheesy goodness of the skillet, consider mixing in a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese with the Gordos cheese dip. This combination will add an extra layer of creaminess and gooeyness to the dish.

If you want to make this recipe even more nutritious, consider adding in some black beans or corn to the skillet for added protein and fiber. These ingredients will complement the flavors of the dish while making it more filling and satisfying.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, stirring frequently, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Cook Chicken with Seasoning

Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook and stir for 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C.

Step 3: Incorporate Rice, Tomato Sauce, and Broth

Stir in instant rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until rice absorbs all liquid.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese Dip and Serve

Generously pour Gordos cheese dip over the skillet contents and serve hot.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Transfer the remaining dish into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. Surprisingly, the rice retains its texture well when stored this way. When reheating, consider adding a splash of broth before microwaving to maintain the creaminess of the dish.

To enhance the flavors and textures of your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, consider trying different variations. You can swap boneless skinless chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken to speed up the preparation process. Experiment with different pepper varieties like poblano or yellow for a unique twist. If you prefer a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice can be used, just remember to reduce the broth by half. Additionally, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for the Gordos cheese dip if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a quicker version of this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. This will save you time and still provide a juicy protein element to the dish. Also, feel free to switch up the type of bell peppers you use. Try poblano or yellow peppers for a milder flavor variation that can still add color and texture to the skillet.

If you don’t have Gordos cheese dip on hand, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted to achieve a similar melty, cheesy finish. Simply shred the cheese and sprinkle it on top of the skillet to melt before serving. Additionally, if you prefer to watch your carbohydrate intake, cauliflower rice can be used instead of instant rice. Just remember to reduce the amount of chicken broth by half when cooking the cauliflower rice to prevent it from becoming too watery. These substitutions can help tailor the dish to your preferences or what ingredients you have available in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet, consider serving it in a fun and interactive way. Set up a DIY Fajita Bar with all the toppings laid out in separate bowls – think sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, pickled onions, and a squeeze of lime. Let your family or guests customize their own fajita bowls with their favorite toppings, creating a personalized and vibrant dish that suits their taste preferences.

For a twist on traditional fajitas, try incorporating the skillet mixture into a cheesy quesadilla filling. Spread a tortilla with a layer of the Queso Chicken Fajita mixture, top with shredded cheese, fold in half, and cook until crispy and golden brown. Slice into wedges and serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese dip instead of Gordos?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese dip of your choice to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this skillet ahead of time and reheat it gently. Just add the cheese dip right before serving for the best results.

Can I use a different type of rice instead of instant rice?

While instant rice ensures quick cooking, you can use other rice varieties like jasmine rice or basmati rice. Just adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly and keep an eye on the cooking time.

How should I store leftovers of this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth before microwaving to maintain the creamy texture.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet becomes a star in your weeknight dinner rotation, just like it has in mine. The blend of creamy cheese, sizzling fajita flavors, and tender chicken is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or make quick swaps to suit your dietary preferences – the options are endless!

Whether you’re craving a cozy movie night in or looking for a hassle-free meal to impress guests, this one-pan wonder has got you covered. So go ahead, whip up this Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet and let the delicious flavors speak for themselves. Bon appétit!

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet Recipe

Indulge in a festive fiesta with Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet—melty cheese, sizzling fajita flavors, and fluffy rice in one pan!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican-Mexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (One skillet meal)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups instant rice
• 0.5 yellow onion, diced
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 226 grams tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
• Gordos cheese dip, for topping
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, stirring frequently, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
2. Cook Chicken with Seasoning: Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook and stir for 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C.
3. Incorporate Rice, Tomato Sauce, and Broth: Stir in instant rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until rice absorbs all liquid.
4. Finish with Cheese Dip and Serve: Generously pour Gordos cheese dip over the skillet contents and serve hot.