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Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet

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This Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet is a one-pan Tex-Mex comfort food favorite—tender chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers, and onions smothered in a creamy queso cheese sauce. It’s quick, cheesy, and endlessly versatile—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back dinners with tortillas, rice, or chips.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Skillet Meal, Tex-Mex
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (or a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup milk or half-and-half
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional, drained)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Warm flour tortillas, rice, or tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken strips with fajita seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for ~4 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, milk, and chicken broth. Stir gently until cheeses melt and sauce becomes smooth. Add more broth or milk if needed to thin.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the queso. Fold in diced tomatoes, if using. Let everything warm together for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Squeeze lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with tortillas, rice, or chips.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add jalapeños or cayenne to the seasoning.
  • Thighs offer juicier results and reheat better than breasts.
  • Use pepper jack for a spicy cheese variation.
  • Stir in black beans for added fiber and protein.
  • Skip tortillas and serve over greens for a fajita bowl.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/queso-chicken-fajita-skillet/