Cheesy Rotel Chicken Skillet

🧀 Cheesy Rotel Chicken Skillet

📝 Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra stretch)
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for a heartier dish)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Add Rotel & broth
   Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
3. Make it creamy
   Lower the heat and add heavy cream. Stir well and let it gently bubble for another 3–5 minutes.
4. Add cheese
   Sprinkle in cheddar (and mozzarella if using). Stir until melted and creamy.
5. Optional add-ins
   Mix in cooked rice or pasta if you want a one-pan meal.
6. Serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

❓ Q&A (Common Questions)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work great and often stay juicier.

Q2: What can I substitute for Rotel?

You can use:

• Regular diced tomatoes + chopped green chilies
• Salsa (for extra flavor)

Q3: Is this dish spicy?

Mildly. If you want more heat:

• Add chili flakes or jalapeños
• Use hot Rotel instead of mild

Q4: Can I make it without cream?

Yes, substitute with:

• Evaporated milk
• Half-and-half
• Or a mix of milk + a little butter

Q5: How do I make it low-carb?

Skip rice/pasta and serve with:

• Cauliflower rice
• Steamed vegetables

Q6: Can I store leftovers?

Yes:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently (add a splash of milk if sauce thickens)

Q7: Can I freeze it?

It’s possible, but cream-based sauces may slightly separate when reheated. Stir well while reheating to fix texture.