This flavor-packed Skillet Chicken Con Queso is the dinner solution you’ve been searching for! Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, creamy queso, fluffy rice, and zesty Mexican flavors. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and comfort food that will have your family requesting it on repeat. Trust me, this might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner champion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as everything melds together.
Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of tender chicken, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or whatever you have in the fridge.
Restaurant Quality: Brings the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant right to your dinner table without the wait or the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious taco seasoning. Make sure to cut them into even cubes for quick and consistent cooking.
Taco seasoning: Provides that signature Mexican flavor profile. Homemade allows you to control the salt and heat levels.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
Half and half: Creates a creamy base for the rice without being too heavy like cream or too thin like milk.
Instant white rice: The time-saving hero of this dish. It cooks quickly while absorbing all the amazing flavors in the skillet.
Queso Blanco: Brings incredible creaminess and authentic Mexican flavor. Homemade gives the best flavor, but store-bought works great in a pinch.
Salsa: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the rice. Thin restaurant-style works best as it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the entire dish.
Green chiles: Add a mild heat and authentic Southwestern flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Pico de gallo: Introduces fresh texture and flavors to contrast the creamy elements.
Mexican blend cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, cheesy topping that makes everyone want to dig in.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some delicious ways to switch things up:

Veggie-Loaded Version: Add zucchini, corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Bean Boost: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Heat Adjustment: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more spice, or use mild salsa and queso if you’re cooking for heat-sensitive eaters.
Corn Tortilla Strips: Sprinkle some crispy tortilla strips on top before serving for added crunch.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Con Queso

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and sprinkle with taco seasoning, turning to coat all sides. Add water to help distribute the seasoning evenly. Cook for 6-8 minutes until just cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base

In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), combine half & half and instant rice. Stir in the melted queso and salsa until well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add Freshness

Stir in the chopped cilantro, drained green chiles, and pico de gallo. These ingredients add brightness and texture to contrast with the creamy rice.

Step 5: Combine and Cheese

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and starting to get golden spots. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s just cooked through to ensure it stays tender when returned to the skillet.
Layer Your Flavors: Using the same skillet for both chicken and rice means all those tasty browned bits from the chicken become part of the rice flavor.
Rice Texture: If your rice seems too dry after cooking, add a splash more half and half or chicken broth. If it’s too wet, cook uncovered for an extra minute or two.
Cheese Melting: Keep a close eye on your skillet under the broiler – the difference between perfectly melted cheese and burnt cheese happens in seconds!
Seasoning Check: Taste the rice mixture before adding the chicken back in and adjust salt if needed – the saltiness of store-bought queso and salsa can vary.

How to Serve

This skillet meal is practically a complete dinner on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

Simple Sides:

A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy skillet.

Garnish Options:

Set out small bowls of extra toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion.

Drink Pairings:

A cold Mexican beer, citrusy margarita, or even just some lime-infused sparkling water complements these flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The rice texture will be slightly different after freezing but still delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to help revive the creaminess. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Regular white rice typically needs about 15-20 minutes to cook and requires more liquid. I’d recommend precooking the rice about halfway before adding to the skillet mixture.

What if I don’t have half and half?
You can substitute with a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, whole milk alone will work, though the result won’t be quite as creamy. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk can work surprisingly well with these flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese on top. Refrigerate, then when ready to serve, bring to room temperature, top with cheese, and broil until hot and bubbly. This makes it perfect for entertaining.

Is there a way to make this healthier?
Several easy swaps can lighten this up: use brown rice (pre-cooked since it takes longer), reduce the cheese amount, use chicken broth instead of half and half, and load up on extra vegetables. The flavor will still be fantastic with these modifications.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken Con Queso brings together comfort food and convenience in the most delicious way possible! It’s the kind of recipe that rescues weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. The combination of tender chicken, creamy queso rice, and fresh additions creates a balanced meal that feels like a special treat. Give it a try tonight – I bet it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Skillet Chicken Con Queso Recipe