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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: 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.
- Cut: Cut up the velveeta into same size cubes for easy melting.
- Combine: Combine the cheese and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir: Frequently stir util the cheese melts completely.
Velveeta Variation:
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
Equipment
- 10-inch skillet
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) box Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili with no beans
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Cut 1 (16-ounce) box Velveeta cheese into cubes.
- Add the cubed Velveeta, 1 cup milk, 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 (15-ounce) can chili with no beans, 4 teaspoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and ½ teaspoon cumin to a medium skillet and heat over medium heat. Stir frequently until the Velveeta has completely melted.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you! I am not chef, but was able to pull this one off, and I agree with others, who speak to the flexibility with this dish.
I forgot to rank it…5 stars.
This is a great crockpot recipe for a crowd when doubled…..the spices can be controlled by using canned refried beans instead of chili…..or you can ratchet up the spices by adding pickled or fresh jalapenos.
How long in a crockpot? I’ve been wanting to it this way I just didn’t know how long and what setting to do it.
I have made Chili’s queso several times using the ingredients in this recipe. What I did find out……..it was too hot. Too much heat. So, after some experimenting, I cut the cayenne pepper to 1/16 of a teaspoon, and cut out one teaspoon of chili powder. The wife says it tastes just like what Chili’s makes.
just made this today and let me tell you it is fantastic! Only difference with my version is my skillet was used in a smoker to make baked beans with and added just a hint of smoke flavor and ohhh my…. much much better than chilis. add this as the secret ingredient???
Thank you for the recipe. I followed the recipe exact and found it to be way too spicy compared to Chili’s. Next time I would leave out the cayenne and put less chili powder in. Although it was spicier than Chili’s, our kids age 7 & 10 ate it with a glass of milk on the side.
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Hi. My wife and I came over to America in November to visit family. They took us to Chili’s, and we had the Queso. It’s amazing! I want to make your recipe for it, but I don’t think we can get the cheese that they use here in the UK. I will have to look for an alternative. Can’t wait to try it out.
Do you use regular milk or the canned milk?
This recipe doesn’t taste anything like Chili’s recipe. I just ate there a few days ago and really wanted more, so I used this recipe to make my own. Such a disappointment and now I have a bunch leftover. I’d suggest to definitely cut back on the cheese, too.
Sorry it didn’t work out as well for you. My hubby prefers this recipe over chilis because he thinks that it is better. 🙂
Made this last night for Game 7 of the World Series – my kids practically licked the pan! Awesome recipe! Next time I would reduce the milk and increase the chili because we like it a little thicker. The flavor was right on! Thank you!
Im in heaven! love Chilis queso and this is spot on and even better! Can barely write this comment because I cant stop eating!
So, at about 3:30 yesterday afternoon, I developed a craving for Chili’s skillet queso. Came out of nowhere. Naturally, I had to look for a recipe. I copied down all the ingredients, but then I got to thinking — I didn’t have any of these spices in my cabinet, so I would have to buy them in order to make the recipe. Spices can be pretty expensive, and it seemed silly to make that kind of investment without trying the recipe first. So I bought a store-brand packet of taco seasoning when I bought my chili and cheese. I mixed in the taco seasoning in the same amounts as listed for the spices above, and then gave it a taste. Phenomenal. I ended up mixing in a little more taco seasoning to taste, and I loved the results. So did my daughter! If you’ve run out of spices and you’re pressed for time, taco seasoning makes a great substitute!
Has anyone tried this in a crockpot? If so how did it turn out?
Yes you can also make it in a crockpot. Also great for keeping it warm on game day.
For how long at what temp in a crockpot?
I haven’t cooked this in a crockpot before but I would try on low for about 2-3 hours?
Just made this. It was ok. It’s not quite exactly like Chili’s. Maybe my taste buds are a little more discerning but the Hormel taste was a bit strong. I wish I knew what Chili’s actually used 🙁
So happy I found this recipie! I didn’t use the whole block of velvetta probably about 3/4 of it and I added half of another can of chili. It all depends on your taste preferences. It’s easy to adjust as you go so I would add a little of everything and see how you like it!! It reheats so well too had it again the next day slathered on a hot dog!!! Thanks for the recipie!
This recipe is great and easy to make. Thank you!
Sincerely, 15 year old Chili’s Queso Lover