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.
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
- I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
 - I season the sliced chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add it to the skillet.
 - I cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
 - 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.
 - I return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
 - I pour in the queso and stir gently until it’s melted and evenly coats the chicken and veggies.
 - 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.
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.
PrintQueso Chicken Fajita Skillet
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.
- 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
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
 - Season the sliced chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
 - Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté peppers and onions for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the veggies.
 - Pour in the queso and stir gently until melted and evenly distributed.
 - 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
 
