An easy dinner made all in one skillet. This Tex-Mex Skillet is loaded with chicken, rice, all the spices, and queso cheese!
Y'all, I am totally not ready for summer! I love looking out my window beside my desk at the bare trees. I love the cold breezes and the chilly mornings. I am gonna miss it so much.
Living in Florida it gets hot quick, and I'm just not ready for that at all. I know those of you who are still buried under snow are thinking that I'm crazy, but this is all coming from someone who hardly gets a really good winter.
I plan on one of these days heading north for part of the winter, and enjoying hot chocolate by the fire, while watching the snow fall out the window. Building a snowman until my fingers are numb, and enjoying a real snowball fight! I've never had a snowball fight, but I've built plenty of snowmen.
I grew up in central Alabama where I saw a blizzard in 1993, which was the best thing ever! Plus we had plenty of dustings here and there, and an inch or two every year or so. So I'm no newbie to snow. I just haven't been in it since my youngest was a toddler.
The last snow we were in, we drove to central Alabama to visit my parents because they were guaranteed snow. It was quick, it came in, dropped several inches, and then was outta there. And by outta there, I mean it melted by that evening.
Totally depressing, but we were thrilled that we got to frolic in it!
We may not agree on loving snow, but we can all agree on this Tex-Mex Skillet!
We all love one pan meals because life happens, and not everyone has time, nor do they want to spend an hour in the kitchen cooking/baking dinner, and then an 30 extra minutes washing up pots and pans.
This Tex-Mex Skillet is ready in less than 30 minutes, and prepared in one skillet.
It's oh-so cheesy, and you can control the amount of spice to fit your family's tastes. I found this recipe from The Cookie Rookie at some point last spring, while searching for recipes that featured queso.
We LOVE queso so much, and when I saw this recipe, I knew it was going to be a winner. I've made it so many times since then, and have adapted it to create this Tex-Mex Skillet.
It's literally perfection in a pan!Ā But don't just take my word for it. Make this for your next Taco Tuesday, and see for yourself!
Tex-Mex Skillet ingredients:
- olive oil
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- chili powder
- cumin
- smoked paprika regular paprika is fine, if you don't have smoked
- salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- oregano
- pepper
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- instant rice
- queso blanco
- chunky salsa
- fresh cilantro
- 4 cheese Mexican shredded
How do you make this recipe?
- Cook the chicken.
- Add all of your spices, and toss to coat the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the whipping cream, rice, melted queso, and salsa.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer.
- stir in Ā¼ cup of the chopped cilantro and chicken.
- Top with the shredded cheese, and the remaining Ā¼th cup of the cilantro.
More Mexican inspired recipes:
Tex-Mex Skillet
An easy dinner made all in one skillet. This Tex-Mex Skillet is loaded with chicken, rice, all the spices, and queso cheese!Ā
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Ā½ teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika is fine, if you don't have smoked
- Ā½ teaspoon salt
- Ā¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Ā¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Ā¼ teaspoon oregano
- Ā¼ teaspoon pepper
- Ā½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups isntant rice
- 1 cup store bought queso blanco, metled it's usually in a small tub, found with the queso fresco cheese
- 1 cup chunky salsa We use mild, but you can spice it up by using hot
- Ā½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- 1 cup 4 cheese Mexican shredded We really like Sargento
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil, and cook the chicken cubes until they are no longer pink.
- Add all of your spices, and toss to coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan, and set aside.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the whipping cream, rice, melted queso, and salsa. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in Ā¼ cup of the chopped cilantro and chicken.
- Top with the shredded cheese, and the remaining Ā¼th cup of the cilantro.
- Cover, and allow to rest for 5 minute, so the cheese can melt on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 585Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 1099mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g
robin rue
I love meals like this because they always go a long way with my two growing boys. I am sure they are going to love this one, too!
Joanna
I hear ya, my oldest daughter eats more than my husband most days!
Karen Morse
Sounds like a recipe that's packed with all the good flavors! We're opposites, I've been dreaming of summer because that's the time we get to go to our place in Florida and enjoy the beach. I cannot wait to try this one though, because you're totally right about us agreeing on this dish!
Joanna
It's felt like summer here the past few days. A lot of people hit the beach Saturday! I hope you get to try this soon!
Jeanette
Now I could totally get my mouth around that. That looks absolutely delicious I love Tex-Mex anything in this looks outstanding.
Joanna
Oh, you'll love this then! I hope you get to make it soon!
Alison Rost
This is such a comfort food and it's easy to put together as well. I think it's something that my husband and I will enjoy! It's filling and tasty, I really appreciate you sharing this recipe.
Joanna
Thanks Alison! It's one that we really enjoy a couple of times a month.
Marie Sheila "The Tired Mama"
Mmmmmm...another way to cook my rice_ and have a meal all rolled into 1. And pretty colorful, I might add- my son is a picky toddler. I need to serve him food appetizing to the eyes. Will try this recipe for sure.
Joanna
This is cheesy, and I bet your son will love it!
Candy
Always nice to see a recipe that has no fancy ingredients. I have everything already in the house to make this dish. Winner
Joanna
Having the ingredients is always great! I love running across recipes that I already have everything for.
Tomi C
Love one pot dishes and not just for the easy clean up. This one is definitely something my family would enjoy. Queso Fresco adds a rich creaminess to any dish and is always in my fridge. I think my family would enjoy this dish.
Joanna
I think that ya'll would love this one! If you try it out, let me know!
Kristi McAllister
This sounds super yummy! Not only that, I love a one-dish meal because it's just so easy and there's minimal cleanup. Will be pinning this to try it myself! Great pictures, by the way!
Joanna
Those are the exact reasons I love one pan meals. Enjoy this one!
Sarah Bailey
Oh now this sounds like an interesting recipe to try, I have to admit I've not made a skillet dish before going to have get myself one so I can!
Joanna
Skillet meals are my go to! They make life so much easier. You've got to try this one!!
Ashley
I shouldn't be looking at this so close to dinnertime. I am hungry for a big ol plate of your tex-mex!
Joanna
Haha, I know what you mean Ashely! I'm starving, and this would be delicious right now.
Courtney Buechle
Ok this looks way to good! I love spicy and cheese so anything with the word tex-mex in it is a total win in my book! Can't wait to add this to my list of recipes to try!
Joanna
Enjoy it Courtney! If you get the chance, come back and let us know what you think!
Pooja Kumari
Ohh this looks so yummy! It's such an easy recipe and I love all the spices you use here. Being Indian we love eating spicy food and it'll be a treat to have cheese on the rice dish. Something I've never tried. A must try for this weekend!
Joanna
You'll have to give it a try! If you do, please come back and let us know!
Jessica Joachim
This looks so good! I am a total sucker for anything Tex-Mex, so you know I am going to be making this dish very soon!
Joanna
Great! When you do, hope over and let us know what you and your family think!
Lisa Favre
Our family loves anything that's Tex Mex and I am into anything that's fairly easy to put together! I will have to try this out and see how my family likes it... another meal to add to our menu.
Joanna
I hope you get to make this one soon! I think y'all will like it, since you love Tex Mex!
Sara Welch
This is an awesome skillet recipe. Tex Mex is one of my favorite cuisines.
Joanna
Same here Sara! I hope you get to try this one!
Kita Bryant
Mmmm I could live off of Tex Mex. This is an awesome skillet!
Joanna
Me too Kita! It's hands down one of my favorite cuisines!
Blair Villanueva
Hello Dear,
If chicken isn't available, can fish meat or tuna meat would be okay for substitute?
Your recipe look delectable!
Joanna
Hi Blair, I haven't tried this recipe with anything but chicken, so I can't give you any advice there. However, if you do find yourself trying it using something other than chicken, I'd love it if you'd report back and let us know how it turned out for you!
rika
Oh yum! Skillet meal is always perfect for my busy nights. I love Mexican spices. I can eat this everyday.
Joanna
I usually cook sheet pan or skillet meals during the week, it really helps with the busy of our lives.
Our Family World
This looks really good! The recipe sure looks easy to follow. I will add this to our menu plan for next week. My family will surely ask for seconds!
Joanna
So easy to follow! If you try it out, I hope you come back and give us your review! š
Terri
Iād invite you up north to Missouri for that cup of cocoa but it was 70 here yesterday. I love this Tex mex dish. I love simple and delicious and you hit the nail in the head with this one.
Joanna
Oh wow, 70? That's unseasonably warm for y'all at this time of the year, right? Thanks! I hope you get to try it out!
Annreeba
This sounds absolutely delicious. I love spicy foods very much. Can't wait to try this.
Joanna
I am sure that you will love this one!
Farida
Cheese! I love this in my dishes too! This recipe you have created is something I have yet to try. I hope my parents will adore them just like I did in your presentation.
Joanna
It's a recipe that so far has been loved by all! I hope you get the chance to try this!
Sandy N Vyjay
I see a lot of similarity between this recipe and Biryani that is prepared in India. Biryani is rice cooked with mutton, chicken or veggies with lots of spice.
Joanna
Now I'm gonna go look up a recipe to see what all is in Biryani! š
Chubskulit Rose
We love Sargento cheese as well. This is a winner for me, I love anything with rice and the added spice s in it sounds so delicious!
Joanna
Thanks! I hope that you and your family love it as much as we do!
Stephanie Lane
This looks wonderful. I wonder if you could throw in some corn, green chilies or black beans and make it more like a casserole.There could be so many variations, I printed off the recipe to try some ideas....
Joanna
Yes! Totally make it your own! Toss in whatever you'd like!
Wanda Lopez
This recipe looks very delicious. I love skillet meals and this Tex-Mex is right up my ally.
Joanna
Aren't skillet meals the best?! Enjoy this one!
Emily
Oh wow, this looks delicious! This would be so good to make for a yummy breakfast and a slow start to the morning. Thanks for this idea!
Joanna
I hope you enjoy it!
Saidah Washington
That looks so good! Thanks for putting the recipe because I can never find good foods with he recipe when I do my food research.
Joanna
Glad I could help! š
April Stephens
I bet the mild winter in Florida is nice! Great recipe, Keep them coming!
Joanna
It's not one I'm fond of, I prefer the cold.
Anosa Malanga
I just checked out if you have another food post and glad I dropped by again. I will try the salad and probably this one. Checking out the recipe so I can include it for my grocery shopping later or tomorrow.
Joanna
Sounds like the way I grocery shop. š I always browse recipes, and include the ingredients on my list. Makes things easier when it comes time to planning meals.
Angela Milnes
That right there is some good eating! Tex Mex is such a good combo of flavors.
Joanna
Tex Mex is always perfection. I hope you try this one out!
OAda
Oh this looks so yummy! I need to try this soon.
Joanna
Oh, I hope you do! Enjoy!
Nicole
This looks so good! It definitely sounds like there are some great flavorings in there. I can't wait to try it out, thanks for sharing!
Joanna
Thanks! It's loaded with all the yummy tex mex flavors!
Elizabeth Keene
I love when a recipes only calls for one pan and this looks amazing too! I need to try this soon!
XOXO
Elizabeth
http://www.akeenesenseofstyle.com
Joanna
One pans are my favorite!
Nikka Shae
This is a great recipe. My kids love a good Tex-Mex meal.
Joanna
I am positive they will love this one! š
Nicole Caudle
Yum! this looks absolutely amazing! I think I may have to. try this
Joanna
I hope you do! I think that you'll enjoy it.
ravayna coe
Yum, that looks cheesy, simple, and delicious! And all in one pan? Sign me up!
Joanna
Yep, all in one pan, and cheesy! š
lynnette joselly
Ohh looks so cheesy, I want some! May have to try this recipe out.