This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a sizzling, cheesy, flavor-packed dinner that I can whip up in one pan with minimal fuss. It brings together juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and creamy queso into a skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight fix or a casual gathering. With all the bold Tex-Mex flavors I love, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and made to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this skillet comes together so fast but still tastes like something from my favorite Mexican restaurant. The chicken gets beautifully seared with fajita spices, the veggies stay tender-crisp, and everything gets coated in rich, melty queso. It’s a complete meal in one pan, and I can serve it however I want — over rice, tucked into tortillas, or with tortilla chips for scooping. Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
  • Onion, sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Fajita seasoning
  • Jarred or homemade queso cheese dip
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

  1. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
  2. I season the sliced chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add it to the skillet.
  3. I cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, I add a little more oil and sauté the sliced peppers and onions until tender but still a little crisp, about 5–6 minutes.
  5. I return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
  6. I pour in the queso and stir gently until it’s melted and evenly coats the chicken and veggies.
  7. I garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for steak or shrimp to change things up. I’ve also added black beans or corn for extra texture and color. If I want it spicy, I stir in jalapeños or use a spicy queso. And when I’m trying to cut carbs, I skip the tortillas and serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. If the queso thickens too much, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

FAQs

Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes, I often use a good quality store-bought mix for convenience, but I also make my own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.

What kind of queso works best?

I like using a creamy, mild queso blanco, but any melty queso dip will do. I make sure it’s smooth and pourable so it blends well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the chicken and veggies in advance and store them separately. When ready to eat, I cook everything fresh and stir in the queso at the end.

What should I serve with this skillet?

I usually serve it with warm tortillas, over rice, or with tortilla chips. A side of guacamole or salsa makes it even better.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the queso and fajita seasoning. I usually keep it mild and adjust the spice with hot sauce or jalapeños if needed.

Conclusion

This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is everything I want in a quick dinner — bold, cheesy, colorful, and satisfying. I love how it delivers restaurant-style flavor in one easy skillet. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for lunch the next day, this recipe never disappoints.

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Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

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This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a quick and cheesy one-pan Tex-Mex meal featuring juicy chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy queso. It’s bold, colorful, and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

  • Author: Lizaa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup jarred or homemade queso cheese dip
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the sliced chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté peppers and onions for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the veggies.
  6. Pour in the queso and stir gently until melted and evenly distributed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for steak or shrimp for variation.
  • Add black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use spicy queso or hot sauce for heat.
  • Serve with tortillas, rice, chips, or cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth if sauce thickens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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