Name: Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice; ½ yellow onion, diced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 8 oz can tomato sauce; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder; 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 packet fajita seasoning; 2 cups prepared cheese dip (such as Gordo’s Original Queso)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 22 reviews

If you love creamy Tex-Mex flavors that come together in a flash, you’ll adore this Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet. It’s one of those magical meals that satisfies cravings for both comfort food and bold, cheesy flair—and you can make everything in under 30 minutes! With layers of fluffy tomato rice, sizzling fajita-spiced chicken, and a warm blanket of velvety queso, this skillet dinner turns even a hectic weeknight into something genuinely special.

Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, but each one is absolutely essential to build the flavor, color, and texture that make this Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet irresistible. Don’t skip a thing—the magic happens when these simple elements come together!

Long-grain white rice: Toasting this rice first makes for a perfectly fluffy texture and a subtle, nutty base for the skillet.
Yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the rice, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Vegetable oil: Helps sauté the onion and rice, giving everything a savory sheen.
Tomato sauce: Infuses the rice with gorgeous color and tangy richness.
Water: Keeps the rice moist and fluffy, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
Chicken bouillon powder: Packs in savory depth and makes the rice extra tasty—don’t substitute with regular salt!
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced for quick, even cooking and juicy bites throughout the skillet.
Fajita seasoning: Seasoned magic for the chicken that brings a bold, zesty Tex-Mex personality.
Cheese dip (prepared queso): Warm and creamy, this is the star topping that pulls everything together.

How to Make Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Toast and Cook the Rice

Grab a big, deep skillet or pot and heat up some vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and let them get soft and fragrant, about two or three minutes. Stir in the uncooked rice—yes, right in with the onions!—and toast it for a good five or six minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden color and toasty aroma. Pour in the tomato sauce, water, and bouillon powder, give it a stir, and cook according to your rice’s package instructions. By the end, you’ll have fluffy, flavorful rice that’s ready for the next delicious layers.

Step 2: Sauté the Fajita Chicken

While your rice is working its magic, grab another skillet and heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. In go your diced chicken pieces. Sprinkle on the fajita seasoning and toss everything around so every bite is coated in that flavor-packed blend. Let the chicken sizzle for seven to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are deeply golden and fully cooked through (165°F is the sweet spot for juicy chicken!).

Step 3: Warm Up the Queso Topping

This is the part where things get dreamy! Follow the instructions for your favorite prepared cheese dip and heat it until it’s hot and pourable. If you’re using microwaveable queso, a quick zap is often all it needs to become luscious and ready for drizzling.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Now comes the best part. Spoon a generous bed of tomato rice onto each plate or shallow bowl. Top it with a heap of juicy fajita chicken, then let the warm queso flow generously over everything. The cheese melds beautifully with the spiced chicken and tomato rice—just the way a perfect Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet should be enjoyed! Serve piping hot and watch the smiles appear.

How to Serve Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh toppings really wakes up this Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet. Try a handful of chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness, a spoonful of pico de gallo or diced tomatoes for a pop of color, and maybe a few jalapeño slices if you love a little extra heat. If you’re feeling fancy, a few crumbles of cotija cheese add a salty contrast too!

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips, a zesty corn salad, or a simple green salad makes any dinner feel like a Tex-Mex feast. Refried beans or black beans also make fantastic, filling sides that play beautifully with the queso and chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, make a build-your-own Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet bar—set out bowls of rice, chicken, warm queso, and every topping imaginable so everyone can dig in just the way they like. For a fun twist, scoop the mix into crispy taco shells, stuff it into burritos, or even pile it over tortilla chips for a show-stopping queso chicken nacho platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer individual components (rice, chicken, queso) into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. Keeping things separate helps preserve their best texture for reheating.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, leave out the queso and store just the rice and chicken together in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to reheat, warm up some fresh cheese dip for topping. The rice and chicken freeze beautifully for up to two months.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat the rice and chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to keep things moist. Warm the queso separately until hot and smooth, then assemble and serve just like the first time. Everything will taste as fresh and vibrant as when you first made it!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed. The texture will be a little heartier, but it works wonderfully in this Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet.

What’s the best cheese dip for this recipe?

I recommend a smooth, pourable queso like Gordo’s Original or any brand you love. Avoid chunky styles with lots of added ingredients, since a creamy cheese dip blends best with the rice and chicken layers.

Is Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet spicy?

Not very! The heat level comes mainly from your fajita seasoning. If you want to keep it mild, choose a mild seasoning or queso, and dial up the spiciness with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like things fiery.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked black beans. Use a vegetable bouillon instead of chicken to keep things meat-free, and serve with all the melty queso goodness on top.

Can I prepare Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! Make the rice and chicken a day or two in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything through and finish with warm queso before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet is the kind of quick, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll come back to again and again. It’s crave-worthy comfort in a skillet, loaded with Tex-Mex flavor and cheesy charm. Give it a try and get ready for happy, satisfied faces around your table!