Name: Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (Cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing); 1/2 piece yellow onion, diced; 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced (Into strips); 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced (Into strips); 1 piece orange bell pepper, sliced (Into strips); 1 packet fajita seasoning (About 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons if using loose seasoning); 2 cups Minute rice, uncooked; 2 cups chicken broth (Hot or room temperature); 8 ounces tomato sauce (Room temperature); Gordos cheese dip (Use as much as you like for topping, warmed or room temperature)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and loaded with bold fajita flavors, this Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort dinner. Imagine tender diced chicken seared with sweet bell peppers and onions, simmered with tomato sauce and rice, then finished with a generous spoonful of velvety Gordos cheese dip—one-skillet bliss that tastes like it took hours but comes together fast. Fun fact: skillet meals like this were born out of necessity—home cooks wanted big flavors with minimal cleanup, and the skillet answered that call.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and family-friendly. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, and it scales easily for leftovers or a crowd. If you enjoy one-pan pasta or skillet dinners, like the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, you’ll find the same comfort and convenience here while swapping pasta for fluffy Minute rice for a different, satisfying texture. Ready to dive in? You’ll love how fast this becomes a household favorite.

What is Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet?

What’s in a name? Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet sounds like the best parts of a taco night decided to live together in one pan. Is it a fajita? A casserole? A party in a skillet? Maybe all of the above. The “cheese” part comes from that irresistible Gordos cheese dip spooned on top at the end, turning every forkful into a gooey, comforting bite. And as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe that’s why this skillet gets gobbled up so fast at the dinner table. Curious? Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears.

Why You’ll Love This

Big, bold fajita flavor: Sizzling peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken create a savory, smoky base that’s irresistible.
Budget-friendly and filling: Using Minute rice and pantry staples keeps costs low and yields a generous, satisfying meal for the whole family.
Textural contrast and creamy finish: Tender rice and chicken paired with soft peppers and a creamy cheese topping make every bite exciting.

This dish pairs the best of Tex-Mex comfort with easy weeknight cooking. If you liked the rich, cheesy dips in our Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip, you’ll appreciate the melty finish here too. Do yourself a favor and make this for busy weeknights—your future self will thank you.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, fast, and hugely satisfying. You’ll be sautéing vegetables, browning diced chicken with fajita seasoning, stirring in rice and tomato sauce, then letting the rice soak up the savory broth. The standout elements are the bright, slightly crisp bell peppers and the creamy cheese topping that transforms the skillet into a cozy, indulgent meal. Prep time is about 10 minutes, active cook time 15–20 minutes, for a total of roughly 25–30 minutes.

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 orange bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 packet fajita seasoning, about 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons if using loose seasoning)
2 cups Minute rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth, hot or room temperature
8 ounces tomato sauce, room temperature
Gordos cheese dip, use as much as you like for topping (warmed or room temperature)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and all the bell pepper strips. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften but still have a little bite.
Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over everything and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Cut a piece open to check if unsure.
Stir in the Minute rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed and coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Let it simmer for 2 minutes to start hydrating the rice, then turn off the heat and cover the skillet (use a lid or foil) and let it sit for 5–7 minutes so the rice can finish absorbing the broth and become tender.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Spoon Gordos cheese dip on top while the skillet is still hot so the cheese melts into the surface. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet

What to Serve With

Warm flour tortillas or soft corn tortillas for scooping and wrapping
A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to brighten the plate
Guacamole or sliced avocado for creamy freshness
Pickled jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh lime for acidity and heat
Mexican-style street corn or a simple corn salad for sweet contrast
Cold beers, iced tea, or a citrusy margarita for beverages

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use a hot skillet: Preheating your pan gives a nice sear to the chicken for better flavor.
Don’t overcook peppers: Sauté just until slightly tender to keep texture and color.
Adjust seasoning: Taste after rice is cooked; add salt, pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika if you want more depth.
Cheese dip variations: Swap Gordos for queso blanco or shredded Monterey Jack for a different melty finish.
Make it for a crowd: Double the recipe and use a large skillet or oven-safe pan, then keep warm in a low oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely, place in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the rice and revive creaminess. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot. Add extra cheese dip after reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, but cook time and liquid ratio will change. Use pre-cooked brown rice or adjust to brown rice instructions and simmer until tender.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute diced tofu or chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make this spicier?
Stir in chopped jalapeños when sautéing peppers or add a pinch of cayenne to the fajita seasoning. Serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can I use different cheese instead of Gordos dip?
Yes. Queso blanco, shredded cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend will all melt nicely and create a delicious finish.

Conclusion

This Cheese Chicken Fajita Skillet is an easy, flavorful weeknight winner that delivers big fajita taste with minimal fuss. It’s ideal for busy families, weeknight meal prep, or anyone craving comforting, cheesy Tex-Mex in one pan. Give it a try and share it with friends — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together.

For another take on queso-topped skillet dinners, check out Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet – Cooking with Katie Cross (https://cookingwithkatiecross.com/queso-chicken-fajita-skillet/).
For a stovetop queso-inspired approach, see Queso Chicken Fajita Skillet | Stovetop/Skillet | Umami (https://www.umami.recipes/recipe/YAfEhaHiEefHV5ZbUAoU)

Enjoy cooking, and if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to explore similar one-pan favorites like the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (https://recipesfiber.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-chicken-rotini-skillet/) and try pairing it with bold dips like Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip (https://recipesfiber.com/bacon-cheeseburger-queso-dip/) for snackable sides.