Queso Chicken Fajita Hash: A flavorful One Pan Meal

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  As a food blogger I frequently find myself in the situation of having a lot of little bits and pieces of many different things in my fridge that need to be used up.  I hate food waste, so I use these opportunities to get creative in the kitchen and come up with some of the best recipes. That is exactly what happened with this Queso Chicken Fajita Hash Recipe!

This mouthwatering recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, crispy potatoes, and creamy queso for a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.  Perfect for busy weeknights!  I can't wait to share the full recipe as well as tips and tricks on how to make it perfect every time so...

Let's Get Started! 

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS QUESO CHICKEN FAJITA HASH:

• IT'S A ONE-PAN WONDER:  Minimal cleanup required!
• BURSTING WITH FLAVOR:  A blend of spices and queso that will tantalize your taste buds.
• NUTRITIOUS AND BALANCED:  Protein packed chicken, fiber rich potatoes, and colorful veggies.  
• VERSATILE:  Perfect for any meal of the day!

 

FROM SCRATCH INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbsp Oil
• 2 large Chicken Breasts, diced
• 5-6 Russet Potatoes, diced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper sliced
• 1 Onion, sliced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 of a (15 oz) jar of Queso Blanco Cheese Dip
• Green Onions, sliced

THE CONVIENT INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbsp Oil
• 2 LB of Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
• 10 oz of Frozen Pepper and Onion Blend
• 5-6 Russet Potatoes, diced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 (1.25 oz) packet of Fajita Seasoning Mix
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 of a (15 oz) jar of Queso Blanco Cheese Dip
• Green Onions, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Prepare the ingredients

• Pull the chicken from the rotisserie or dice the chicken breasts and potatoes into bite-size pieces.
• Sliced the bell peppers and onions thinly.
• Mince the garlic
• Heat the queso until smooth and pourable.

STEP 2:  Cook the Chicken

• If you are using raw chicken you will need to heat 1 Tbsp of oil in over medium-high heat. 
• Add the diced chicken and season with the spices listed above in the "from scratch" section.
• Cook until Chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

STEP 3:  Cook the Vegetables

• In the same skillet add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
• Add the diced potatoes to the pan, cover, and cook until they start to soften and brown, about 10 minutes. Stir once at about the 5 minutes mark.
• Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
• Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

STEP 4:  Add the Queso

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
• Taste for seasoning and make any adjustment you feel it may need.
• Pour over the queso blanco dip and stir everything together.

STEP 5:  Serve

• Garnish with the sliced green onions.
• Serve hot and enjoy your Queso Chicken Fajita Hash! 

TIPS FOR THE BEST QUESO CHICKEN FAJITA HASH:

• UNIFORM SIZING:  Dice the chicken and potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. 
• HIGH HEAT:  Cook the potatoes on high heat to get a nice crisp exterior.  That's the way Mamaw taught me.
• FRESH INGREDIENTS:  Even though I have included easy, convenience ways to make this, fresh, high quality ingredients always make for the best flavor.  
• CUSTOMIZE:  Add jalapeños for extra heat or substitute sweet potatoes for a different twist.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes!  You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store then in separate containers.  When ready to cook, follow the steps as usual.  This dish also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH QUESO CHICKEN FAJITA HASH?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for added variety.  

HOW DO I USE THE CONVIENCE INGREDIENTS?

Instead cooking the chicken before the potatoes, add the pre-cooked chicken into the pan with the peppers and onions.  Season with the fajita seasoning packet and add the water to the pan.   Cover and cook for 10 more minutes.  Remove the lid, stir, let the water cook off, THEN add the queso.  

This Queso Chicken Fajita Hash is a delightful, falvorful dish that combines the best of fajitas, and hash in one skillet.  Perfect for any time of day, this recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and sure to become a staple in your home.  So get in the kitchen and give it a try tonight!

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~