Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Tasty One-Pan Meal

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? My Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is your answer! This one-pan meal combines juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese, all simmered in flavorful enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just a short time to prepare and cook. Let me guide you through this simple recipe that satisfies your cravings and keeps cleanup easy. You won’t want to miss this!

Ingredients

Cooking Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is simple and fun. Here’s what you need:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

– 1 onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce

– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Avocado slices for serving (optional)

Each ingredient adds its own special touch. The chicken provides protein, while the beans and corn add texture. The spices bring warmth and flavor. Fresh cilantro and avocado slices finish the dish perfectly. For the full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking this easy and tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Overview of Prep and Cooking

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Heating the Oil

First, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step is key as it helps cook the chicken evenly and adds flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Next, add 1 pound of cubed chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink. Stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks well.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Now, add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for another 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften the vegetables and make them fragrant.

Mixing in Beans and Corn

After the veggies are soft, stir in 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Mix everything together well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely.

Adding the Cheese

Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

For garnishing, you can add fresh cilantro on top. Slices of avocado also make a great side. Enjoy this tasty one-pan meal with your family! For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Best Results

Ensuring Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Stir well during cooking to prevent any pieces from browning too much. A good stir every few minutes ensures that all sides get heat.

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, use mild enchilada sauce. You can also reduce the amount of cumin and paprika. For more spice, add jalapeños or chili powder. Always taste as you go!

Time-Saving Tips

Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers the night before. Store them in the fridge. This makes cooking faster and easier on busy weeknights.

Using Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the skillet. This cuts down on cooking time and still gives great flavor.

How to Make it More Flavorful

Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. Chop it finely and mix it in just before serving. You can also use fresh parsley or green onions for a different taste.

Adding Extra Spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of oregano or chili flakes can also enhance the flavor. Experiment to find your favorite spice mix.

For the full recipe, you can refer to the Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Variations

Vegetarian Option

Substituting Chicken with Tofu

Swap chicken for firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture. Cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu just like the chicken. This gives a great texture and flavor.

Adding More Vegetables

You can add more veggies for a healthy boost. Try zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them when you sauté the onion and garlic.

Different Flavor Profiles

Using Different Sauces

Change the taste by using different sauces. Try salsa verde or mole sauce instead of enchilada sauce. Each sauce gives a unique twist to the dish.

Alternative Cheese Choices

Switch up the cheese for a different flavor. Use pepper jack for spice or queso fresco for a milder taste. Mixing different cheeses can also create a tasty blend.

Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Version

To bake it, start by cooking the chicken and veggies in a skillet. Then, transfer them to a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This gives a nice golden top.

Slow Cooker Instructions

For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients except cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheese in the last 15 minutes. This method makes for a hands-free meal.

For more details, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge soon after it cools. This helps it stay tasty and safe to eat. Your leftovers will last for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

When you want to eat your leftovers, you can use a microwave or stovetop. The microwave is quick but may not keep the same texture. If you want the best taste, heat it on the stovetop. Just warm it gently over low heat while stirring.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save your dish for later, freezing works well. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the skillet meal in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s sealed tight to avoid freezer burn. To use it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop for the best taste and texture. For the full recipe, check back for all the details!

FAQs

Common Questions About Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it first. This allows for even cooking. If you cook it from frozen, it may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the enchilada skillet early in the day. Store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I customize the spice level?

You can add more spices for heat. Consider using chili powder or cayenne pepper. For less heat, reduce the amount of these spices or skip them altogether.

Nutritional Information

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free enchilada sauce. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How many calories per serving?

Each serving has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the amount of cheese and toppings you use. Check the exact numbers with your specific ingredients.

Cooking Equipment

What type of skillet is best?

A large, heavy skillet works best. A cast-iron skillet is great for even heat. If you have a non-stick skillet, that works too.

Do I need a lid for cooking?

Yes, using a lid helps the cheese melt evenly. It also keeps the moisture in, making your dish nice and juicy.

This blog post covered making an easy chicken enchilada skillet. We discussed all the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to modify the dish for different tastes and dietary needs. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal. With simple prep and cooking methods, you can create a tasty dish your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and perfecting your skillet!

Cooking Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is simple and fun. Here’s what you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Avocado slices for serving (optional) Each ingredient adds its own special touch. The chicken provides protein, while the beans and corn add texture. The spices bring warmth and flavor. Fresh cilantro and avocado slices finish the dish perfectly. For the full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking this easy and tasty meal! - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 25 minutes - Servings: 4 Heating the Oil First, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step is key as it helps cook the chicken evenly and adds flavor. Cooking the Chicken Next, add 1 pound of cubed chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink. Stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks well. Sautéing the Vegetables Now, add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for another 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften the vegetables and make them fragrant. Mixing in Beans and Corn After the veggies are soft, stir in 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Mix everything together well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Adding the Cheese Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. For garnishing, you can add fresh cilantro on top. Slices of avocado also make a great side. Enjoy this tasty one-pan meal with your family! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Ensuring Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Stir well during cooking to prevent any pieces from browning too much. A good stir every few minutes ensures that all sides get heat. - Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, use mild enchilada sauce. You can also reduce the amount of cumin and paprika. For more spice, add jalapeños or chili powder. Always taste as you go! - Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers the night before. Store them in the fridge. This makes cooking faster and easier on busy weeknights. - Using Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the skillet. This cuts down on cooking time and still gives great flavor. - Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. Chop it finely and mix it in just before serving. You can also use fresh parsley or green onions for a different taste. - Adding Extra Spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of oregano or chili flakes can also enhance the flavor. Experiment to find your favorite spice mix. For the full recipe, you can refer to the Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Enjoy your cooking journey! {{image_2}} - Substituting Chicken with Tofu Swap chicken for firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture. Cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu just like the chicken. This gives a great texture and flavor. - Adding More Vegetables You can add more veggies for a healthy boost. Try zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them when you sauté the onion and garlic. - Using Different Sauces Change the taste by using different sauces. Try salsa verde or mole sauce instead of enchilada sauce. Each sauce gives a unique twist to the dish. - Alternative Cheese Choices Switch up the cheese for a different flavor. Use pepper jack for spice or queso fresco for a milder taste. Mixing different cheeses can also create a tasty blend. - Oven-Baked Version To bake it, start by cooking the chicken and veggies in a skillet. Then, transfer them to a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This gives a nice golden top. - Slow Cooker Instructions For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients except cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheese in the last 15 minutes. This method makes for a hands-free meal. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge soon after it cools. This helps it stay tasty and safe to eat. Your leftovers will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat your leftovers, you can use a microwave or stovetop. The microwave is quick but may not keep the same texture. If you want the best taste, heat it on the stovetop. Just warm it gently over low heat while stirring. If you want to save your dish for later, freezing works well. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the skillet meal in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it's sealed tight to avoid freezer burn. To use it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop for the best taste and texture. For the full recipe, check back for all the details! Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it first. This allows for even cooking. If you cook it from frozen, it may take longer to cook through. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook the enchilada skillet early in the day. Store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. How can I customize the spice level? You can add more spices for heat. Consider using chili powder or cayenne pepper. For less heat, reduce the amount of these spices or skip them altogether. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free enchilada sauce. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the amount of cheese and toppings you use. Check the exact numbers with your specific ingredients. What type of skillet is best? A large, heavy skillet works best. A cast-iron skillet is great for even heat. If you have a non-stick skillet, that works too. Do I need a lid for cooking? Yes, using a lid helps the cheese melt evenly. It also keeps the moisture in, making your dish nice and juicy. This blog post covered making an easy chicken enchilada skillet. We discussed all the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to modify the dish for different tastes and dietary needs. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal. With simple prep and cooking methods, you can create a tasty dish your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and perfecting your skillet!

Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Whip up a delicious Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet in just 25 minutes! This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, savory veggies, black beans, and gooey cheese all in a flavorful enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both quick and satisfying. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a tasty dish that the whole family will love!

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Avocado slices for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until chicken is no longer pink. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

      Sauté Veggies: Add the diced onion, garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

        Mix in Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

          Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the skillet mixture and cover. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, optionally with slices of avocado on the side.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                Leave a Comment

                Recipe Rating