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Cheesy queso chicken served over seasoned rice
Katie

Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet

This Queso Chicken & Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan Tex-Mex comfort dish! Fluffy tomato rice, tender fajita-seasoned chicken, and a generous drizzle of warm, gooey queso make this easy dinner a cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice:
  • 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
For the Chicken:
  • 3 –4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
For the Queso Topping:
  • 2 cups prepared cheese dip such as Gordo’s Original Queso

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the rice and toast for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add tomato sauce, water, and bouillon powder. Cook according to rice package instructions until fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
  2. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  3. Warm the cheese dip according to package instructions until hot and pourable.
  4. Spoon a bed of rice onto plates or bowls. Top with fajita-seasoned chicken, then drizzle generously with warm queso. Serve hot and enjoy creamy Tex-Mex comfort!

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal—just season and heat it before assembling.
  • Substitute brown rice if preferred, but adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
  • Add toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra flair.
  • This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.