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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:Â Velveeta is so smooth when it melts, it’s perfect for dipping.
- Milk:Â 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:Â Try Chipotle Chili powder for a smokey kick.
- Lime Juice:Â 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.
- Cut:Â Cut up the velveeta into same size cubes for easy melting.
- Combine:Â Combine the cheese and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir:Â Frequently stir util the cheese melts completely.
Velveeta Variation:Â
Velveeta is by far the best and recommend it for this recipe but for those who don’t like Velveeta you can make a substitute.
- 3-4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
In a medium sauce pan bring all the ingredients to a boil stirring constantly, then continue to make the recipe as directed.
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.
More Amazing Queso Recipes To Try:
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Chili's Copycat Skillet Queso
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Cut the velveeta into cubes
- Combine the cheese with remaining ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir Frequently until the cheese melts.
- Enjoy with tortilla chips!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Can you use a regular pan, does it have to be a skillet?
Yes you can just use a regular pan. 🙂
Yummy yummy in our tummies! It’s been a few years since I’ve had the Chili’s original but this is just as I remember it. The recipe is terrific. I cooked it on medium low so the velveeta wouldn’t burn. If you’re in a pinch for time, I’m pretty sure you could do this in the microwave. I’d suggest stirring it frequently.
I thought chilis queso had sausage in it also..the kind like u find on sausage pizza.
i was wondering if i dont like Hormel chili can i use wolf brand chili?
Yes any brand will work! 🙂
My nephew use to work at chili’s and he said would brand was what to use
Can you use chili with beans?
Yes, that will add some hearty texture.
I was wondering what size skillet you bought off of Amazon?
I was wondering the same thing (about the skillet size) did you ever find out?
Thanks 🙂
Kim
Made this today and both hubby and I thought it was a bit too cheesy. Next time I’ll only use 3/4 of the Velveeta brick. Other than that, it was very tasty and very much like the restaurant’s version!
Tried this a few days ago … tastes EXACTLY like the Skillet Queso from Chili’s! So good!
I just made this and my daughter and I are eating it. It’s really good! Not exactly like Chili’s but close enough. It has a little more heat than the Chili’s version but that is fine with me! Thanks for the recipe!
Ok so we went to Chili’s last week and I think their queso isnt as good anymore! My hubby said that he actually likes this version better!
Rebecca – knock it down to 3 or even 2 tsp of chili powder and that will clear up the heat issue. I found a bunch of copycat recipes and the most common variation was how much chili powder to use.
If you put any tortilla chips in the microwave for 1 minute on high for a large bowlful, you’ll be amazed at how fragrant, fresh and crisp they taste!
Thanks for the awesome tip! We will be trying it!!
Tried this recently and it was perfect. It really does taste just like Chili’s!
I love Chili’s queso!!! I used to be waitress at the Chili’s in Cambridge and then London restaurants. We had to learn every single ingredient for every single dish on the menu. I will defiantly want to try and make it myself at home, thanks for the recipe! I just wanted to say that the Chili’s queso definatly had meat in it and your recipe doesn’t! Is this because your vegetarian or did not think it had meat in it?
Hormel Chili has beef in it.
Very cool. Thanks for this!
Can’t wait to try it! Now can you duplicate the chip?!
This is awesome! I’m eating it right now. Turned out just right. Tostito’s recently came out with a chip that is pretty close to the Chili’s chips. It’s Cantina Thin and Crispy or something like that. My husband and I both worked at Chili’s a long time ago. Thanks for this yummy recipe!
looks yummy! Can’t wait wait to try it!
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What size iron skillet did you use? Is it best using iron skillet?
I used a sause pan to start then I poured it all into our skillet and popped in the oven on a low broil for a couple of minutes.
I find it easier to use the sauce pan for all the mixing
Think I could mix it and then keep it warm in crock pot for party?
Yep! I do every time. It just needs an occasional stir. 🙂