Description
This skillet dinner brings together juicy seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, fluffy rice, and a generous layer of creamy queso for a meal that tastes like fajita night met comfort food. Everything cooks in one pan, soaking up flavor as it goes, so each bite is savory, warm, and satisfyingly cheesy. Here’s a fully refreshed version of how to make it.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 2 cups quick-cooking rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- Creamy queso dip, for topping
Instructions
- Start the vegetables: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the onion and sliced peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brighten in color, about 2–3 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken directly into the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over everything. Stir well so the chicken gets coated. Cook until the chicken is fully done and lightly browned, about 7–8 minutes, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly so nothing sticks to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish cooking: Let the skillet bubble for about 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Allow the rice to sit and absorb the remaining liquid until tender.
- Top and serve: Spoon creamy queso over the hot skillet. The residual heat will soften and melt it into the dish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- A smooth, restaurant-style queso works especially well here because it melts easily and blends into the rice and chicken.
- Rice brands vary, so double-check your package directions to confirm the proper liquid ratio and adjust if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 811 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg