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This chicken enchilada skillet recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the flavors of traditional enchiladas in a one-pan meal.
It combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, vegetables, and gooey cheese, for a hearty, cheesy, delicious dinner everyone will love!
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I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
Cheesy Skillet Enchilada Casserole
Chicken enchilada skillet is a mouthwatering and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of classic enchiladas in a convenient one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for those who crave the deliciousness of enchiladas but prefer a simplified cooking process. By combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, this skillet dish offers a satisfying and hearty dining experience.
To create the chicken enchilada skillet, start by sautéing boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they are golden brown and fully cooked. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and moist. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and sauté a medley of onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the same skillet. These vegetables add a delightful crunch and aromatic essence to the dish.
After shredding the cooked chicken, it is reintroduced to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. The key ingredient, enchilada sauce, is then added, infusing the dish with its rich and tangy flavor. The sauce brings together the various elements of the skillet, coating the chicken and vegetables in a delightful, savory glaze.
To enhance the flavors further, a combination of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika is added to the skillet, imparting a hint of smokiness and depth. These spices complement the enchilada sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
To finish off the dish, a generous amount of shredded cheese is sprinkled on top of the skillet. As the skillet bakes in the oven, the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket, creating a luscious and gooey layer that crowns the chicken and vegetables.
Once the cheese has achieved a perfect melt, the chicken enchilada skillet is ready to be served. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of heat. The dish can be served directly from the skillet, creating a beautiful and rustic presentation, or portioned onto individual plates.
The versatility of the chicken enchilada skillet allows for various serving options. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, or a refreshing side salad. The combination of textures, flavors, and aromas in this skillet dish is sure to satisfy any craving for Mexican-inspired comfort food.
With its straightforward preparation and delightful taste, the chicken enchilada skillet is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. It brings the essence of traditional enchiladas to your table with minimal effort and cleanup, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without sacrificing time or flavor.
How To Make Chicken Enchilada Skillet Casserole
To make this recipe, you need to gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken: The chicken is the main protein in the dish. It provides a meaty and tender texture, adding substance to the skillet. It also absorbs the flavors of the enchilada sauce and spices, creating a savory and satisfying element.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: The red enchilada sauce is the key component that brings the traditional flavors to the dish. It adds a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy taste, coating the chicken and other ingredients with its rich flavor. The sauce helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a cohesive and delicious skillet.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: Green enchilada sauce offers a vibrant and tangy flavor profile. It adds a refreshing twist to the skillet, providing a balance to the richness of the red enchilada sauce. Using both red and green enchilada sauces can create a layered and complex taste.
- Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They provide a sturdy base for the skillet, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and becoming soft and tender when cooked. The tortillas add a pleasant corn flavor and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- Canned Corn: Canned corn adds sweetness, texture, and a pop of color to the skillet. It complements the other ingredients and brings a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Diced Onion: Onion adds a savory and aromatic element to the skillet. It provides a subtle sweetness and contributes to the overall depth of flavor. The onion also adds texture and complements the other vegetables.
- Zucchini: Zucchini brings a mild and slightly earthy flavor to the skillet. It adds a pleasant crunch and vibrant green color. Zucchini also provides additional nutritional value and contributes to the overall vegetable medley.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the skillet. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey and satisfying texture. The cheese also adds a slightly sharp and savory taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Black Olives: Black olives provide a briny and salty flavor to the dish. They add a unique and distinct taste that pairs well with the other ingredients. The olives contribute a contrasting texture and a touch of indulgence to the skillet.
- Oregano: Oregano is a traditional herb used in Mexican cuisine. It brings a warm and earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Oregano adds depth and complexity to the skillet’s spice profile.
- Canned Chopped Green Chilies: Green chilies offer a mild heat and tangy flavor to the skillet. They provide a subtle kick without overpowering the other ingredients. The green chilies add a zesty and slightly smoky note to the overall taste.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown vegetables. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add the diced zucchini and canned corn to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried oregano, canned chopped green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Assemble skillet. Pour the red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce into the skillet, reserving a small amount of each for topping. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce. Layer the corn tortilla strips evenly over the mixture in the skillet. Press them down slightly into the sauce. Drizzle the reserved red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the sliced black olives.
- Bake. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once the skillet is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Enjoy! Serve the Chicken Enchilada Skillet directly from the skillet or transfer individual portions to plates.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken: If you have pre-cooked or leftover chicken, it can be a time-saving option for this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet during the assembly step. This will reduce the cooking time and ensure tender chicken in the final dish.
Season and marinate the chicken: Before cooking the chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices to add flavor. For an extra boost, marinate the chicken in the enchilada sauce for 30 minutes or longer before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with the sauce’s flavors and enhance its taste.
Choose the right skillet: Opt for an oven-safe skillet to make the recipe more convenient. This allows you to sauté the ingredients on the stovetop and then transfer the skillet directly into the oven for baking. It eliminates the need for transferring the mixture to a baking dish, saving time and reducing dishes to clean.
Customize the spices: While the recipe may suggest specific spices, feel free to adjust them to your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for extra heat, cayenne pepper for spiciness, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Experiment with the spice combination to create a profile that suits your palate.
Mix cheese varieties: Instead of using just one type of cheese, consider combining different varieties to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Popular choices include Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend. Mixing cheeses adds depth and richness to the skillet.
Add toppings after baking: While the skillet is in the oven, prepare your desired toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or sour cream. Add these toppings to the dish just before serving to add freshness and vibrant colors.
Let it rest before serving: Allow the chicken enchilada skillet to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve and preventing hot cheese from oozing out too quickly.
Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re hosting a gathering or have a large family, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger skillet or multiple skillets. This way, you can ensure everyone gets their fill of this delicious meal.
FAQs
Yes, you can definitely use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional taste. Just cut them into small strips and layer them in the skillet along with the other ingredients.
While it’s best to enjoy the chicken enchilada skillet fresh out of the oven, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time. For example, you can cook and shred the chicken in advance, chop the vegetables, and mix the spices. When you’re ready to assemble the skillet, simply sauté the vegetables, mix everything together, and bake.
Yes, you can freeze the skillet for future meals. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire skillet to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Absolutely! Using store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient and can save you time. Look for a good-quality sauce that suits your taste preferences, whether it’s mild, medium, or spicy. If desired, you can enhance the store-bought sauce by adding additional spices or herbs to customize the flavor.
If you prefer a different protein or want to make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with cooked ground beef, shredded pork, diced tofu, or a medley of sautéed vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as spices and toppings, are gluten-free as well. Additionally, opt for corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
The spiciness level of the chicken enchilada skillet can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer mild flavors, use a mild enchilada sauce and reduce or omit any spicy ingredients, such as jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For those who enjoy more heat, use a spicier enchilada sauce or add additional spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Cilantro lime Rice: Serve the skillet with a side of fluffy Cilantro lime rice. The rice absorbs the flavors of the enchilada sauce and complements the dish perfectly.
Beans: A classic choice, refried beans or Spicy Garlicky Beans add richness and creaminess to the meal. You can either make them from scratch or use canned refried beans for convenience.
Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and salsa are excellent accompaniments to the chicken enchilada skillet. The cool, creamy green chile guacamole and zesty salsa provide a refreshing contrast to the warm and flavorful skillet.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. It helps balance the spice and richness of the enchilada flavors.
Cornbread: Serve slices of warm cornbread alongside the chicken enchilada skillet. The sweet and savory cornbread complements the dish and adds a delightful texture.
Tortilla Chips: Offer a bowl of tortilla chips for scooping up the chicken enchilada skillet. They provide a satisfying crunch and can be dipped into salsa or guacamole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Season them with Mexican-inspired spices for an extra kick.
Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe
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Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup monterrey jack cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 oz can diced green chiles, drained (mild, medium, or hot according to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add the diced zucchini and canned corn to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, dried oregano, canned chopped green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Pour the red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce into the skillet, reserving a small amount of each for topping. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
- Layer the corn tortilla strips evenly over the mixture in the skillet. Press them down slightly into the sauce.
- Drizzle the reserved red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce over the tortilla layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the sliced black olives.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the skillet is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Enchilada Skillet directly from the skillet or transfer individual portions to plates. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
