Description
A flavorful and creamy Skillet Chicken Con Queso recipe that combines tender chicken, melted white queso, and instant rice for a quick and satisfying meal. This one-pan dish is spiced with taco seasoning and complemented by fresh cilantro, salsa, and pico de gallo, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into cubes)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Rice and Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup Queso Blanco (White Queso), melted (homemade or store-bought)
Additional Flavorings and Toppings
- 1 cup salsa (thin, restaurant-style)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 can green chiles (4.5-ounce can, drained)
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken pieces. Pour in 1 ½ tablespoons of water and stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the seasoning is absorbed.
- Add the rice and liquids: Stir in 2 cups of instant white rice into the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of melted Queso Blanco. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients and heat through.
- Incorporate the salsa and chiles: Add 1 cup of thin, restaurant-style salsa, the drained can of green chiles, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Top with pico de gallo and cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of pico de gallo and 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, creamy chicken con queso meal.
Notes
- Use cooked or leftover chicken if you want to reduce cooking time.
- Instant rice is used for quick preparation, but you can substitute with cooked white rice if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the salsa.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop.