Looking for a quick and tasty meal that packs a punch? My Tex Mex Chicken Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and bold spices, this dish whips up in just 30 minutes. In this post, I’ll share simple steps, helpful tips, and tasty variations that make this skillet dinner a family favorite. Get ready to make dinner fun and flavorful!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
Measuring and Preparation Tips
– Ensure even cooking of chicken. Cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly.
– Properly rinse and drain beans. Rinsing removes excess salt and helps avoid a mushy texture.
– Fresh vs. canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes add brightness, but canned tomatoes save time and still taste great. Use what fits your needs.
This list of ingredients makes the Tex Mex Chicken Skillet a simple yet tasty meal. Each part plays a role in the dish’s overall flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these tips as you prepare your meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. You want it golden and juicy.
Adding Vegetables and Seasoning
1. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step brings out great flavors.
2. Stir in the diced bell pepper and corn. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the pepper is tender.
3. Then, add the rinsed black beans and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely.
Finishing Touches
1. Now, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it melt for about 2-3 minutes. This makes it creamy and rich.
2. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a nice zesty kick to your dish.
For the full recipe, check the section above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To get the best flavor from your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet, focus on your seasoning. Use fresh herbs when possible. They add a bright taste. Always season your chicken well before cooking. This helps lock in moisture.
To avoid dry chicken, cook it on medium heat. This will help it stay juicy. Don’t rush the cooking process. A few extra minutes can make a big difference. If you cut the chicken too soon, it might lose its juices.
Serving Suggestions
For side dishes, I love serving this skillet with rice or warm tortillas. Both soak up the tasty sauce well. You can also add a fresh salad for a crunchy contrast. For a fun twist, turn the skillet meal into tacos. Just spoon the mixture onto tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Feel free to customize servings! You can add more veggies like zucchini or spinach. For a kick, toss in some jalapeños. Each addition can make the dish your own.
Equipment Recommendations
For the best results, use a large, heavy skillet. A cast-iron skillet holds heat well, giving an even cook. Alternatively, a non-stick skillet is great for easy clean-up.
Useful kitchen tools include a sharp knife for quick chopping and a sturdy spatula for stirring. A lid is handy for melting cheese evenly. These tools make cooking smooth and fun.
Variations
Protein Swaps
You can use different proteins in this dish. If you want a tasty change, try turkey or shrimp. Both cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. For vegetarian options, use tofu or tempeh. Both give you protein while keeping it meat-free.
Flavor Enhancements
To spice things up, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This will bring heat and excitement to your skillet. If you like veggies, toss in zucchini or spinach. They add color and nutrients. Don’t be shy to mix in your favorites!
Serving Style Variations
You can serve this dish in many ways. A skillet meal is quick and fun, but you can also bake it as a casserole. Just add a bit more cheese and bake until golden. Another option is to make wraps or tacos. Just fill tortillas with the mixture for a great handheld meal.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet leftovers in a safe way. Use airtight containers to keep the food fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing this dish is simple. Place the cooled chicken skillet in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove until hot. You can also use a microwave.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it stays good for up to 3 months. Watch for signs of spoilage like off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells bad, toss it out. Enjoy your tasty meal safely!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Tex Mex Chicken Skillet?
The Tex Mex Chicken Skillet takes about 30 minutes to make. You need 15 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking takes another 15 minutes. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal.
Can I make Tex Mex Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for three to four days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps save time on busy nights.
What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use equal parts for a tasty mix. You can also try other spice blends like fajita seasoning. These options add great flavor to your dish. For more tips, check the Full Recipe.
We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to garnishes, and how to cook them well. I shared tips to keep your chicken juicy and your flavors strong. You learned about variations for proteins and serving styles, plus storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. With these steps, you can make a delicious Tex Mex Chicken Skillet that suits your taste. Now, get cooking and enjoy your meal!
![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) - Ensure even cooking of chicken. Cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly. - Properly rinse and drain beans. Rinsing removes excess salt and helps avoid a mushy texture. - Fresh vs. canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes add brightness, but canned tomatoes save time and still taste great. Use what fits your needs. This list of ingredients makes the Tex Mex Chicken Skillet a simple yet tasty meal. Each part plays a role in the dish's overall flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these tips as you prepare your meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the diced chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika. 3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. You want it golden and juicy. 1. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step brings out great flavors. 2. Stir in the diced bell pepper and corn. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the pepper is tender. 3. Then, add the rinsed black beans and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. 1. Now, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it melt for about 2-3 minutes. This makes it creamy and rich. 2. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. 3. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a nice zesty kick to your dish. For the full recipe, check the section above. To get the best flavor from your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet, focus on your seasoning. Use fresh herbs when possible. They add a bright taste. Always season your chicken well before cooking. This helps lock in moisture. To avoid dry chicken, cook it on medium heat. This will help it stay juicy. Don’t rush the cooking process. A few extra minutes can make a big difference. If you cut the chicken too soon, it might lose its juices. For side dishes, I love serving this skillet with rice or warm tortillas. Both soak up the tasty sauce well. You can also add a fresh salad for a crunchy contrast. For a fun twist, turn the skillet meal into tacos. Just spoon the mixture onto tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Feel free to customize servings! You can add more veggies like zucchini or spinach. For a kick, toss in some jalapeños. Each addition can make the dish your own. For the best results, use a large, heavy skillet. A cast-iron skillet holds heat well, giving an even cook. Alternatively, a non-stick skillet is great for easy clean-up. Useful kitchen tools include a sharp knife for quick chopping and a sturdy spatula for stirring. A lid is handy for melting cheese evenly. These tools make cooking smooth and fun. {{image_2}} You can use different proteins in this dish. If you want a tasty change, try turkey or shrimp. Both cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. For vegetarian options, use tofu or tempeh. Both give you protein while keeping it meat-free. To spice things up, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This will bring heat and excitement to your skillet. If you like veggies, toss in zucchini or spinach. They add color and nutrients. Don’t be shy to mix in your favorites! You can serve this dish in many ways. A skillet meal is quick and fun, but you can also bake it as a casserole. Just add a bit more cheese and bake until golden. Another option is to make wraps or tacos. Just fill tortillas with the mixture for a great handheld meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet leftovers in a safe way. Use airtight containers to keep the food fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside. Freezing this dish is simple. Place the cooled chicken skillet in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove until hot. You can also use a microwave. In the fridge, your Tex Mex Chicken Skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it stays good for up to 3 months. Watch for signs of spoilage like off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells bad, toss it out. Enjoy your tasty meal safely! The Tex Mex Chicken Skillet takes about 30 minutes to make. You need 15 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking takes another 15 minutes. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for three to four days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps save time on busy nights. If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use equal parts for a tasty mix. You can also try other spice blends like fajita seasoning. These options add great flavor to your dish. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to garnishes, and how to cook them well. I shared tips to keep your chicken juicy and your flavors strong. You learned about variations for proteins and serving styles, plus storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. With these steps, you can make a delicious Tex Mex Chicken Skillet that suits your taste. Now, get cooking and enjoy your meal!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4d2fa07f-b169-4cf2-be53-9f50c9082555-250x250.webp)