Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake

4 servings
This Mexican-inspired meal offers all the goodness of cheesy chicken enchiladas with half the effort.

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil
    1 tbsp
  • onion

    chopped

    ½
  • garlic cloves

    finely chopped

    2
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp
  • jar medium red salsa
    1
  • sour cream

    plus more for serving

    ½ c
  • corn tortillas

    torn into quarters

    4
  • shredded cooked chicken

    from 1 [2 1/2-pound] rotisserie chicken

    4 c
  • can black beans

    drained, rinsed

    1
  • shredded mexican cheese blend
    1 c
  • pickled jalapeños and cilantro

    for serving; optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 500°F. Heat oil in a 10" heatproof skillet over medium. Add onion, garlic, cumin, and salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Transfer onion mixture to a large bowl; reserve hot skillet. Add salsa, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup water to onion mixture and stir to combine. Fold in tortillas, chicken, and beans until thoroughly coated. Return mixture to reserved skillet and cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over.

  3. 3

    Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro, if desired.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake

4.4(81)25 min4 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 81 ratings

epicurious.com
4.4(81 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of chicken enchiladas without all the assembly fuss? This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake delivers authentic Tex-Mex flavors and satisfying textures, making weeknight dinners incredibly easy and delicious.

This recipe brilliantly combines all the classic components of chicken enchiladas into one convenient skillet, dramatically cutting down on effort without compromising on that beloved taste. The genius lies in utilizing readily available ingredients like shredded cooked chicken, often from a rotisserie chicken, which transforms prep into a breeze. The entire hearty main dish is cooked in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.

Prepare to be treated to a truly savory and creamy Tex-Mex experience. Each bite offers tender, flavorful chicken combined with hearty black beans and soft corn tortillas, all generously coated in a rich, medium red salsa and blanketed under a melty Mexican cheese blend. The optional pickled jalapeños introduce a fantastic bright, tangy kick and a touch of heat, beautifully complemented by the freshness of cilantro. This comforting and satisfying meal is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of diners seeking a wholesome, flavorful dinner without the complexity.

While this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake is delicious as written, it's also wonderfully adaptable. You can easily tailor the spice level to your family's preference by choosing a milder or spicier red salsa than the medium suggested. Further adjust the heat, or simply add a tangy counterpoint, by increasing or decreasing the amount of pickled jalapeños you add for serving. Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded Mexican cheese blends to find your favorite, or even add a sprinkle of cotija for extra saltiness. The fresh cilantro garnish is key, but you could also consider finely chopped green onions for an additional aromatic touch.

This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Bake is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual family meal, or even a relaxed gathering with friends. Serve it directly from the cast iron skillet for an impressive presentation, topped generously with extra sour cream, more pickled jalapeños, and a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

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