Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, zesty, and comes together in just one pan, the Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is truly a weeknight game-changer. Between the tender chicken, tangled up with tangy green chiles and plenty of gooey cheese, each bite is pure southwest comfort—without any of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated—each ingredient has a role, from giving a bold pop of flavor, to making the skillet extra hearty and colorful. Here’s what brings it all together:

• Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and bloom the spices for a deep, savory base.
• Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and flavorful crunch as the foundation of the dish.
• Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder: These classic Tex-Mex spices infuse every bite with warmth, earthiness, and a little kick.
• Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper: Lets all the vibrant flavors shine through—season to your taste!
• Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a dinner lifesaver here, making prep a breeze while plenty filling.
• Canned black beans: Brings creamy texture and a hit of plant-based protein, plus gorgeous color.
• Fire roasted green chiles: The signature tangy, smoky magic behind those classic enchilada flavors.
• Chopped cilantro: For fresh green brightness and a pop of herby flavor to balance out the spice.
• Green enchilada sauce: Ties everything together and soaks the tortillas in delicious, zesty goodness.
• Corn tortillas: Cut into triangles, these absorb the sauce just right and give that true enchilada vibe—no rolling required.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey perfection on top, finishing each bite with creamy richness.
• Avocado, cilantro, & Greek yogurt or sour cream: The finishing touches! These toppers add creaminess, zest, and coolness for the ultimate balance.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you want to swap in different proteins, make it spicier, or keep it vegetarian, there’s a tasty version for everyone.

• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the shredded chicken with more black beans, pinto beans, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a wonderful meatless meal.
• Cheesy Kick: Mix in some pepper jack or cheddar for an extra melty, spicy cheese pull.
• Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for serious heat lovers.
• Use Flour Tortillas: Prefer a softer, heartier texture? Flour tortillas are a great stand-in for corn—just note they’ll soak up more sauce.

How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Tortillas and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F so it’s all set for bubbling action. Meanwhile, grab your stack of corn tortillas and cut them into eighths (like little pizza slices). This is way less fussy than rolling individual enchiladas, but you still get those satisfying tortilla bites in every scoop.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in your favorite large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Give it all a stir and let it sauté for a couple of minutes—just until the onions are soft and those spices are making your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Beans, and the Good Stuff

Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, fire roasted green chiles, chopped cilantro, and green enchilada sauce. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle but thorough mix—you want every tortilla triangle and piece of chicken to be coated in that amazing sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Gently fold those tortilla triangles into the skillet until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese all over the top. Pop the whole skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are irresistibly golden.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Toppings

Take your Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet out of the oven, and shower it with plenty of extra cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a big dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a cool, tangy finish. Dig in while it’s hot and gooey!

How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the toppings—the coolness of sliced avocado, a pop of fresh cilantro, and a swirl of Greek yogurt or sour cream take this skillet over the top. If you love extra heat, drop some pickled jalapeños on right before serving!

Side Dishes

This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with simple sides like a crisp green salad, cilantro lime rice, or classic refried beans. Some tortilla chips on the table mean you can scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bring your hot skillet straight to the table and let everyone dig in family-style. Or, for party appetizers, scoop the filling into small ramekins and serve with mini tortillas or even inside baked bell pepper halves—instant fiesta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch.

Freezing

This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Defrost in the fridge overnight and expect wonderful flavor, though the texture may be a bit softer after reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a covered skillet over medium heat, or zap individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of extra enchilada sauce or chicken broth if it looks a little dry, and always add fresh toppings after reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet! Every time I make it, the pan is scraped clean and everyone is smiling—so grab your skillet and make this comforting, flavor-packed meal part of your own kitchen traditions.

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