Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

The Perfect Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner

Green chile chicken enchiladas promise a fiery culinary adventure that ignites taste buds with southwestern flair.

Sizzling skillets enhance simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal bursting with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices.

Bold and zesty, these enchiladas capture the essence of comfort food with a spicy twist.

Tender chicken mingles with roasted green chiles, creating a harmonious blend of heat and richness.

Melted cheese blankets the tortillas, adding a creamy texture that complements the robust filling.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that celebrates the art of home cooking and Mexican-inspired cuisine.

What Makes Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Stand Out

  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty green chiles, warm spices like chili powder and cumin, and fresh cilantro, this enchilada recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste adventure that dances across your palate.
  • Convenient One-Skillet Wonder: Skip multiple pots and pans! This recipe streamlines cooking by preparing and baking everything in a single oven-safe skillet, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen chaos.
  • Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Loaded with tender shredded chicken and hearty black beans, these enchiladas offer a satisfying protein punch that keeps you full and energized, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for home cooks seeking delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients

Protein and Poultry:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat that provides the main protein for the enchiladas, preferably from a rotisserie or home-cooked chicken.
  • Black Beans: Hearty legume that adds extra protein and creamy texture to the dish, canned beans work best for convenience.
Produce and Herbs:
  • Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the filling, white or yellow onions are ideal.
  • Green Chiles: Mild, slightly spicy peppers that provide a classic southwestern flavor, typically canned and diced.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, citrusy notes to the dish, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
  • Avocado: Creamy garnish that adds richness and cool contrast to the warm enchiladas.
Dairy, Cheese, and Sauce:
  • Green Enchilada Sauce: Tangy, mildly spicy sauce that binds the ingredients and provides moisture, store-bought works perfectly.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, bubbly crust, Mexican blend or cheddar are great options.
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that balances the spices and adds creaminess.
  • Tortillas: Corn tortillas cut into triangles that absorb the sauce and create layers in the dish.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder: Warm, slightly spicy blend that adds depth to the chicken mixture.
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that provides a traditional southwestern flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder

Instructions for Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F, getting ready for a delicious enchilada adventure.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in:
  • Onion
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder

Sauté until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Lower the heat to medium and add:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Black beans
  • Green chiles
  • Cilantro
  • Green enchilada sauce

Season with salt and pepper, mixing everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tortillas

Gently fold in tortilla triangles, making sure they’re completely coated in the saucy mixture.

Step 5: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Pop the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Garnish with:
  • Extra fresh cilantro
  • Creamy avocado slices
  • A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream

Serve hot and enjoy your skillet of cheesy, spicy goodness!

Tips for Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

  • Shred Chicken Like a Pro: Use two forks to pull apart rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust chili powder and choose mild or hot green chiles based on your spice preference for personalized intensity.
  • Tortilla Trick: Cut corn tortillas into triangles for even coating and better sauce absorption, preventing soggy or dry spots.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smoother, more even melting across the enchiladas.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator, reducing day-of cooking time and intensifying flavors.

Storing Skillet Chicken Enchiladas

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Consume stored enchiladas within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Reheating Options: Oven Method – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave Method – Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Avoid refreezing to maintain the best texture and taste of your delicious enchiladas.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Enchiladas

  • Sip a Zesty Margarita: Complement the green chile chicken enchiladas with a tangy margarita made with fresh lime juice and a splash of tequila. The citrusy cocktail cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a perfect flavor balance.
  • Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Enjoy a cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona, which provides a light, refreshing contrast to the spicy and creamy enchiladas. Its subtle maltiness helps cool down the palate.
  • Serve with Fresh Cilantro-Lime Slaw: Create a crunchy side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of olive oil. This bright, zesty slaw adds texture and freshness to the hearty enchilada skillet, enhancing the overall meal experience.
  • Pour a Refreshing Horchata: Cool down the spice with a traditional Mexican rice drink that's creamy, sweet, and subtly cinnamon-spiced. This non-alcoholic beverage provides a smooth counterpoint to the bold flavors of the enchiladas.

Variations on Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

  • Zesty Vegetarian Verde: Swap chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn. Use plant-based cheese for a meat-free version that packs incredible flavor and nutrition.
  • Seafood Southwest Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or white fish. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and incorporate diced bell peppers for extra coastal flair.
  • Spicy Ranch Chicken Edition: Mix in ranch seasoning with green chiles. Include diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick that transforms the traditional enchilada experience.
  • Breakfast Skillet Style: Top with fried eggs, add crispy bacon bits, and use breakfast sausage instead of chicken. Serve with a side of salsa for a morning-friendly protein-packed meal.
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Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Skillet Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas bring zesty comfort straight from Southwest kitchens. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and roasted green chiles combine in one pan for a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken
  • 15-ounce (425 grams) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced fire-roasted green chiles
  • 5 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 15-ounce (425 grams) can green enchilada sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Avocado, cilantro, and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius), preparing a large oven-safe skillet for a vibrant Mexican-inspired dish.
  2. Drizzle olive oil into the skillet over medium-high heat, then incorporate diced onions, zesty chili powder, earthy cumin, and aromatic garlic powder. Sauté until the onions become translucent and softened.
  3. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium and introduce shredded chicken, tender black beans, roasted green chiles, fresh chopped cilantro, and tangy green enchilada sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture.
  4. Gently fold tortilla triangles into the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the robust sauce, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
  5. Generously blanket the surface with shredded cheese, creating a melty, golden layer that will transform during baking.
  6. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, waiting until the cheese becomes completely melted and the edges develop a slight bubble and golden-brown appearance.
  7. Remove from the oven and embellish with additional fresh cilantro leaves, creamy avocado slices, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or traditional sour cream as a cooling garnish.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot green chiles depending on your spice tolerance.
  • Quickly shred rotisserie chicken for a time-saving preparation method that adds extra flavor.
  • Ensure tortillas are fresh and soft to prevent a dry or tough texture in the final dish.
  • Opt for a cast-iron skillet to achieve crispy edges and even heat distribution during baking.
  • Balance the richness with a bright garnish of fresh cilantro and creamy avocado slices.
  • Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream without compromising tangy flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 352 cal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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