Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t have time to prepare traditional enchiladas. With tender shredded chicken, zesty green chiles, and melted cheese all baked together, this skillet dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and can be served for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of green chiles, spices, and cheese ensures a rich and satisfying flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with sides like rice or salad.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to cater to different dietary preferences or spice levels.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Before you start making your Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet, gather your kitchen essentials.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and baking everything together in one pan.
• Knife: Essential for chopping onions and cutting tortillas into triangles accurately.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for all your chopping tasks.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of spices for consistent flavor.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Protein & Beans

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken)
• 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)

Vegetables & Sauce

• 1 cup diced fire roasted green chiles
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 15 ounces green enchilada sauce

For Topping

• 5 corn tortillas (cut into triangles)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnishes

• Avocado slices
• Extra cilantro
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425° F. While it’s heating up, cut the corn tortillas into eighths so they can easily mix into the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Spices

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion along with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat to medium. Add in the shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, and green enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges to coat them in the sauce.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Top your mixture with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 5: Serve with Garnishes

Remove from the oven carefully. Top with additional cilantro, avocado slices, and dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet!

How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a flavorful, comforting dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to enhance the meal or add a fresh touch, here are some serving suggestions.

With Fresh Toppings

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds a burst of flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream brings coolness that complements the heat.

Over Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice pairs perfectly with the skillet for added texture and flavor.
• Spanish Rice: A classic choice, Spanish rice infused with tomatoes and spices enhances the meal.

As a Dip

• With Tortilla Chips: Serve it as a dip by pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the enchilada skillet mixture as filling for roasted bell peppers for a fun twist.

In Tacos

• Corn Tortillas: Serve the mixture in warm corn tortillas for a quick taco night.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.

How to Perfect Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

To make your Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet truly stand out, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce and high-quality chicken will elevate the flavors of your dish.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or using spicy green chiles if desired.
• Bake Until Bubbling: Ensure you bake until everything is hot and bubbly for that perfect texture and taste.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps meld all flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with corn, lime, and cheese that complements the enchiladas perfectly.
2. Black Bean Salad: This hearty salad adds protein and fiber while providing a colorful addition to your meal.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole makes an excellent side that balances the spiciness of the skillet dish.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa offers brightness and crunch, enhancing every bite of your enchilada skillet.
5. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the rich main dish.
6. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and flavor; they’re also easy to prepare alongside your skillet meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience when making a Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the dish properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust spices during cooking.
• Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too many ingredients at once, it may not cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary for better results.
• Using cold chicken: Cold or unseasoned chicken can affect flavor and texture. Ensure your chicken is warm and well-seasoned before adding it to the skillet.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Forgetting to cover with cheese: Cheese adds delicious creaminess and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• item Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• item Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• item Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• item Microwave: Heat in individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• item Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet?

A Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines shredded chicken, green chiles, black beans, and tortillas, all baked with cheese.

Can I customize my Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or use different types of cheese based on your preference.

How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with beans or sautéed veggies and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What toppings pair well with Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños for an extra kick.

How do I know when my skillet is done baking?

The skillet is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has melted nicely.

Final Thoughts

The Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet offers a quick and tasty alternative to traditional enchiladas. This versatile dish is perfect for busy nights and allows for plenty of customization based on your tastes. Try it out today!