If you’re craving a quick and satisfying Tex-Mex dinner that comes together in just one skillet, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet. This dish combines juicy chicken, tender vegetables, hearty black beans, fluffy rice, and a generous blanket of melted cheese into a one-pan wonder that explodes with color and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting a laid-back get-together, this skillet promises to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything for this easy Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is straightforward—no weird surprises, just crave-worthy ingredients that each play their delicious role. From the sizzle of sautéed chicken to the gooey richness of cheese, every component helps build layers of taste and texture.

Olive Oil: Gets everything going with rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cooks up juicy and tender, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and softens beautifully in the skillet.
Green Bell Pepper: Lends a pop of color and crunch for the perfect veggie balance.
Garlic: Infuses irresistible, savory depth—you can always add an extra clove!
Cooked Rice: Soaks up all the marvelous flavors and transforms this into a true skillet meal.
Black Beans: Bring creamy texture and plant-based protein for a filling dish.
Salsa: Adds moisture, tang, and just the right hint of spice—pick your favorite jar.
Chili Powder: For a warm, fragrant backbone that defines Tex-Mex comfort food.
Cumin: Earthy and aromatic—it rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Gives you those classic, bold melty cheese pulls everyone loves.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy and mild; partners with cheddar for perfect cheesiness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing every flavor forward—taste as you go.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a burst of fresh, herby brightness.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat—this ensures the chicken browns without crowding. Add the chicken pieces and let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden all over and cooked through. You’ll already start to smell those irresistible chicken aromas!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, and give everything a good stir. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are softened and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. The kitchen will smell amazing, and the colors start to pop in the pan.

Step 3: Add Rice, Beans, and the Flavor Boosters

Now, stir in your cooked rice, drained black beans, and salsa. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well so that every grain of rice and bite of chicken is coated in the spicy, saucy goodness. Keep everything bubbling together for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Get Cheesy!

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously and evenly across the top. Place a lid over your skillet and reduce the heat to low—the cheese will melt into gooey perfection in just 2 to 3 minutes. This step transforms everything into the true heart of the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. If you love a fresh touch, scatter some chopped cilantro on top. Scoop hot servings right from the skillet and watch as everyone digs in!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet

Garnishes

The right garnish can take this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet from delicious to absolutely stunning. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brightens everything up, while a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh lime wedges at the table lets everyone customize their plate. For spice lovers, a few jalapeño rings do the trick!

Side Dishes

While this skillet is totally filling on its own, it pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or even a side of refried beans. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve it alongside a platter of roasted veggies or grilled corn to round out the meal and add extra color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop your Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet filling into warm tortillas for DIY burritos or tacos—just add your favorite toppings and wrap them up. Or, serve it over a bed of crispy lettuce for a Tex-Mex inspired burrito bowl. The mix is endlessly versatile and never fails to wow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is a gift for future you! Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This skillet freezes like a dream: spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, leave off the fresh cilantro garnish and add it after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole batch gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If things look dry, add a splash of chicken broth or extra salsa as it heats. Top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese or cilantro, and it’s as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken and add it in with the rice, beans, and salsa—since it’s already cooked, you can skip the initial browning step.

What type Main Course

You can use your favorite: chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy. A fresh, medium salsa brings a lovely balance, but feel free to experiment for your perfect Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet flavor base.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu. You get all the zesty, cheesy flavor in a totally meatless one-pan meal.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce right into the skillet when you sauté the veggies, or use a hot salsa. You can also sprinkle on red pepper flakes for extra zing.

What’s the best way to meal prep this ahead of time?

Chop all your veggies, measure out spices, and cook your rice in advance. You can even combine the chicken and beans with seasonings in the fridge, then just cook everything according to the instructions when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s impossibly easy and outrageously flavorful, the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is an absolute winner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it week after week, sharing the joy (and cheesy goodness) with everyone around your table!

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful spices, beans, rice, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup cooked rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup salsa
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste
chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Sauté vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in rice, black beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or a meatless alternative.
Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or top with sour cream, avocado, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American