Name: Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet (Cheesy, Spicy, and Full of Flavor)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 1 packet fajita seasoning mix; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Introduction

Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, vibrant fajita vegetables, and a rich, cheesy queso sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. The combination of sizzling chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and creamy, melty queso makes this dish irresistible. I love making this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and full of flavor. The smoky fajita seasoning pairs perfectly with the creamy queso, and the one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Whether served with tortillas, over rice, or on its own, this dish is always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with delicious flavors and textures that come together in one skillet. The queso makes the fajitas creamy, while the chicken and veggies add substance and freshness. The whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an easy yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s totally customizable—add more heat if you like spice or switch up the veggies to your liking. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and absorb the fajita seasoning well, providing lean protein.

Fajita seasoning
A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices gives this dish its bold, smoky fajita flavor.

Bell peppers
Sliced bell peppers add crunch and sweetness, complementing the smoky seasoning.

Onion
Onions caramelize beautifully, adding depth of flavor and a slight sweetness.

Queso dip or queso fresco
The creamy queso dip adds richness and a cheesy, velvety texture to the fajitas. You can use store-bought queso or make your own!

Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, helping them cook evenly and brown nicely.

Lime juice
A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty finish and balances the richness of the cheese.

Salt and black pepper
These basic seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.

Cilantro (optional)
Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Tortillas or rice (optional)
Serve with tortillas to make fajitas, or over rice for a satisfying meal.

Directions

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips and seasoning them with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. You can add a little more fajita seasoning if you want to enhance the flavor.

Once the veggies are done, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, then pour in the queso dip (or crumble queso fresco over the top) and mix until everything is coated in the creamy cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the queso to melt and thicken.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet and garnish with cilantro if desired.

Serve the Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet with warm tortillas, over rice, or on its own as a cheesy, flavorful dish.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15-20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet over low heat to prevent the queso from separating. You can also microwave it, but the texture may be slightly different.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is highly customizable! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. For more heat, add some sliced jalapeños to the skillet or use a spicy queso dip. You can also experiment with different veggies, like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.

For a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat queso or make your own queso using Greek yogurt. To make it more filling, serve with a side of black beans or Mexican rice. This recipe is perfect for personalizing based on your preferences!

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This recipe provides lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, skip the tortillas and serve over a bed of cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Evenly cooked chicken
Slice the chicken into thin, even strips for quicker cooking and more flavor absorption.

Don’t overcook the veggies
Sauté the bell peppers and onions until just softened so they maintain their texture and sweetness.

Queso thickness
If the queso is too thick, add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy queso to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but queso dip provides the best creamy texture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it at the same time you add the vegetables to heat through and coat with the queso.

What should I serve with this?

Serve with tortillas to make fajitas, over rice, or on its own with a side of chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the chicken for tofu or beans for a vegetarian option.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While it’s possible to freeze leftovers, the queso may change in texture upon reheating.

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a flavorful and cheesy meal that combines all your favorite fajita ingredients in one easy-to-make dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite. The best part is that it’s customizable to fit your tastes, and it comes together quickly for a fun and flavorful meal that everyone will love!