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Pollo Bandito Mexican Queso Chicken

Pollo Bandito Mexican queso chicken served over seasoned rice with creamy white queso sauce.
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Thinly sliced chicken cooked quickly in butter and avocado oil, seasoned with bold spices and finished in creamy white queso. This fast skillet dinner delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 20 minutes and is perfect served over Mexican Restaurant rice or wrapped in warm tortillas.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 TBSP butter
  • 2 TBSP avocado oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 packet Sazón seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½–1 cup white queso (adjust to preference)

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken into very thin strips. You want them thinner than you think — if you find yourself wondering whether they’re too thin, go just a little thinner. Ultra-thin strips cook quickly, stay tender, and absorb more flavor.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, Sazón, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat butter and avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
  4. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and immediately sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the top.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Because the strips are so thin, avoid overcooking.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in at least ½ cup white queso, adding more as desired until the chicken is creamy and well coated.
  7. Serve immediately over Mexican Restaurant Rice or roll into warm tortillas for an easy, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • The thinner the chicken, the better the texture — thicker strips will not deliver the same tender result.

  • Chicken thighs are slightly more forgiving and stay extra juicy. Marinating in salt water for a few hours before cooking helps.

  • For deeper flavor, season the chicken up to 8 hours ahead.

  • Add extra cheese dip for a creamier, smothered-style finish.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/mexican-queso-chicken/