Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso | The Recipe Critic

This Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER!  A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it.

I love being able to be together with loved ones eating our favorites from the comfort and ease of home. Try these favorites for more delish copycats: Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta, Applebee’s White Chocolate Blondies with Maple Cream Sauce, Cheesecake Factory’s The Best Avocado Egg Rolls, and Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

The perfect blend of cheesy goodness and spices makes this recipe is so versatile, you make it all year long and get creative with it. Besides serving it with the standard tortilla chips you can serve it along side or in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taquitos or any other dish.  Serve it over rice, home fries or a breakfast hash, for a fantastic Mexican twist.  It’s so easy and addictive you’ll be tempted to make it every week.

Leftovers are easily stored in the fridge for a few day. That’s if you have any leftovers. It’s so simple and quick, you may never need to go out and order it again. The spicy goodness is just that easy and just that good.

Skillet Queso Ingredients:

• Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta is so smooth when it melts, it’s perfect for dipping.
• Milk: Don’t use a nut milk here, it’ll make the flavor off
• paprika: Adds flavor and color.
• cayenne pepper: Decrease or increase according to your tastes.
• Hormel Chili No Beans: Beans just don’t belong in Queso.
• Chili Powder: Try Chipotle Chili powder for a smokey kick.
• Lime Juice: Balances out the spiciness.
• Cumin: A staple in Mexican cuisine.

How to Make Skillet Queso:

This can be made for any holiday get-together, family gathering or any celebration. When you want to be the hit of the party this Amazing Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso will do the job. No one can say no to this descendant cheesy goodness.

1. Cut: Cut up the velveeta into same size cubes for easy melting.
2. Combine: Combine the cheese and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir: Frequently stir util the cheese melts completely.

Skillet Queso Dipping Variations:

Skillet Queso isn’t just for dipping chips. There are so many things you can try, let your imagination run queso wild.

• Vegetables- use instead of ranch for carrots, cucumbers, celery, sweet peppers, olives, etc.
• Bread- A crusty french bread torn into pieces or bread sticks.
• Pita Bread- Cut into triangles for easy dipping.
• Flavored Corn Chips- Try Doritos for flavor explosion.

Love queso as much as I do then try these below:

Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Author Alyssa Rivers

Servings 8 people

This Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER!  A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it. 

• 16 ounce box Velveeta cheese
• 1 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 15 ounce can Hormel Chili No Beans
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Updated on August 31, 2020

Originally Posted on November 29, 2012

Nutrition Facts

Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

Amount Per Serving

Calories 150 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Cholesterol 27mg9%

Sodium 929mg39%

Potassium 267mg8%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 1201IU24%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 363mg36%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.