Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet is a bold, colorful, and satisfying one-pan meal that brings together the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in a quick and comforting format. Juicy chicken pieces are cooked with bell peppers, onions, beans, corn, and warm spices, then finished with melted cheese for a dish that feels hearty yet fresh.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The skillet method allows everything to cook together, letting the spices infuse deeply into the chicken and vegetables while keeping cleanup minimal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet because it’s fast, flexible, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those recipes you can make with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. The balance of smoky spices, tender chicken, and melty cheese makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s also great for weeknight dinners when time is limited but you still want a homemade, wholesome meal.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This is a must-try dish because it delivers restaurant-style Tex-Mex flavor using simple, everyday ingredients. It’s a complete meal cooked in one pan, making it ideal for families, meal prep, or anyone who wants less cleanup. The recipe is highly customizable, easily adjusted for spice level, and works beautifully in wraps, bowls, or on its own.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 420–460 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Directions
Heat oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden, sauté vegetables, add beans and spices, then finish with salsa and cheese until everything is well combined and melted.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, coating the vegetables evenly.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and add black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors are blended.
Step 8: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet hot, straight from the pan. It’s delicious on its own or served over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps. A side of guacamole, sour cream, or tortilla chips pairs perfectly with this dish.
Recipe Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for better heat distribution.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
- Let the cheese melt gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Variations
Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet: Add sliced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot salsa for extra heat.
Creamy Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
Low-Carb Version: Skip beans and corn and add zucchini or mushrooms instead.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra beans, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives.
Smoky BBQ Tex-Mex Version: Add a tablespoon of smoky BBQ sauce along with the salsa for a deeper flavor.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze cooled skillet contents in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and versatile recipe that brings bold Tex-Mex taste to your table with minimal effort. Its one-pan simplicity, rich spices, and endless customization options make it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet
Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet is a bold, colorful, and satisfying one-pan meal that brings together the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in a quick and comforting format.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
-
Step 3: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
-
Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Step 5: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, coating the vegetables evenly.
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Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and add black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well to combine.
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Step 7: Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors are blended.
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Step 8: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
