Discover the ultimate Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This one-pan recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a medley of spices topped with melted cheese. In just 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish loved by all. Click through to explore this easy and delicious recipe and impress your family with a flavorful meal they'll crave again and again!
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
1 cup corn (fresh kernels or frozen for convenience)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or your favorite cheese)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
![List of Ingredients - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 bell pepper - 1 can black beans - 1 can enchilada sauce - 1 cup corn - Spices: ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper - Cheese: shredded Mexican cheese blend - Garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños In this Chicken Enchilada Skillet, every ingredient plays an important role. The chicken gives protein and a hearty texture. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick cook time. The olive oil adds flavor and helps the chicken brown nicely. When I chop the onion and bell pepper, I aim for small pieces. This way, they soften perfectly and blend well with the chicken. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma to the dish. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. Black beans add fiber, and they pair well with the other flavors. Enchilada sauce is key. It gives a rich, spicy taste that makes this dish shine. The corn adds sweetness and a nice pop of texture. For spices, I use ground cumin and chili powder. They give warmth and depth. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. Finally, the shredded Mexican cheese blend melts perfectly on top. It adds creaminess that everyone loves. Don't forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños bring brightness and heat. For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy making this meal with all these tasty ingredients! Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. This usually takes about one minute. Next, add one finely diced onion and one diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them soft and the onion to turn translucent. Stir them occasionally to avoid burning. Now, introduce one pound of bite-sized chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. It should have no pink inside. Sprinkle in your spices: one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Pour in one can of rinsed black beans, one cup of corn, and one can of enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, until all ingredients are heated through. Now it’s time to add cheese. Sprinkle one and a half cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the cheese melt and bubble nicely. When the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like. Serve it straight from the skillet for a fun presentation. Enjoy with warm tortillas on the side. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. You should cook it until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you want to adjust the seasoning, taste as you go. Start with a little salt and pepper, then add more if needed. You can also try adding lime juice for a fresh kick. Serving directly from the skillet makes your meal look inviting. Place the skillet on a trivet at the table. It keeps the dish warm and adds charm. Pair your enchilada skillet with warm tortillas. You can also serve it with sides like rice or a fresh salad. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds creaminess and flavor. If you want an alternative for chicken, try using rotisserie chicken or beans. Shredded pork or beef also works well. For cheese, feel free to use cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can make it vegan by using plant-based cheese. As for beans, black beans are great, but pinto or kidney beans are good too. Add any veggies you like, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrients. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for plant-based protein. Options like tofu or tempeh work well. You can also use canned lentils or chickpeas for added protein and flavor. Add more veggies for a colorful dish. Zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach are excellent choices. They bring freshness and texture to your skillet. If you like heat, increase the spice level. Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. For extra heat, splash in your favorite hot sauce. These additions will make your enchilada skillet fiery and exciting. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. You can try different cheese blends for a unique taste. Pepper jack adds a spicy touch, while gouda gives a smoky flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. It melts well and keeps the dish creamy. Explore various cheeses to find your favorite twist! To keep your Chicken Enchilada Skillet fresh, refrigerate it right away. Use an airtight container for the best results. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the dish soggy. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them in a few ways. The microwave is the quickest option. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to keep the cheese nice and melty, use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the leftover enchiladas, and cover it. Stir gently and cook until heated through. This method helps keep the cheese creamy and delicious. You can freeze the Chicken Enchilada Skillet for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the dish may expand when frozen. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above, ensuring it's hot all the way through. This way, you get to enjoy a tasty meal even later. For the full recipe, check the link provided. Yes, you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. You can also cut the chicken into pieces and marinate it with spices. This saves time on busy days. Just cook everything when you are ready to eat. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with: - Warm tortillas - Mexican rice - Refried beans - A fresh salad with lime dressing - Avocado slices or guacamole These options boost the meal and add more flavors. To serve more people, simply scale the ingredients. Here’s how: - Double or triple the chicken and other main ingredients. - Cook in a larger skillet or make two batches. - Adjust the cooking time as needed. Make sure chicken is cooked through. Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for: - Ground turkey - Beef - Shrimp - Tofu for a vegetarian option Adjusting cooking times is key. Cook proteins until they are done but not overcooked. To keep leftovers fresh: - Store in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. This keeps the flavors intact. For long-term storage, freeze the dish. This blog post covered how to make a Chicken Enchilada Skillet. We reviewed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and how to store leftovers. You can even customize this dish for different tastes or dietary needs. In the end, this recipe is simple and fun. It’s perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Enjoy making this tasty meal and sharing it with friends and family!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bcd20096-75b2-4c30-96ff-d874cbd8959f-250x250.webp)