Irresistible Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet Ready in Minutes

Mexican-inspired comfort food reaches new heights with the mouthwatering Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet, a dynamic one-pan meal that captures the essence of traditional cuisine.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts appreciate this delectable dish for its rich, smoky flavors and convenient preparation method.

The skillet combines tender chicken, zesty chipotle peppers, and melted cheese in a vibrant culinary creation that satisfies diverse palates.

Warm tortillas and a blend of spices transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Families and friends gather around this hearty meal, enjoying the robust and comforting flavors that speak to the heart of Mexican-American cooking.

Convenience meets culinary artistry in this single-pan wonder that promises to become a beloved recipe in home kitchens everywhere.

Why Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet Packs Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated cooking steps.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible ingredient swaps like using different proteins or adjusting spice levels, helping home cooks personalize the meal to their taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold chipotle and green chili tastes, this skillet enchilada offers exciting yet approachable flavors that both adults and kids will enjoy without being overwhelmingly spicy.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: By using just one oven-safe skillet from stovetop to oven, this recipe minimizes dirty dishes and simplifies the entire cooking and cleaning process, giving you more time to relax after dinner.

What You’ll Need For Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Chicken: Main protein that forms the heart of the skillet, lean and absorbs great flavor.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt: Classic spice blend that provides deep, warm flavor profile.
• Chipotle: Adds smoky heat and rich Mexican-inspired taste.

• Enchilada Sauce: Traditional Mexican sauce that creates the foundational flavor.
• Water: Helps create proper cooking liquid consistency.
• Green Chilies: Provides mild heat and fresh vegetable texture.

• Cream, Greek Yogurt: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce, optional but recommended.

• Tortillas: Creates a layered, casserole-like texture in the skillet.
• Cheese: Melts to create a golden, bubbling topping.

• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and classic Mexican flavor.
• Lime: Adds zesty, acidic brightness to finish the dish.
• Avocado: Creamy, fresh topping that complements the spicy chicken.
• Additional Greek Yogurt: Cool, tangy topping to balance the heat.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken Base

• Chicken
• Onion
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices.

Step 3: Add Smoky Flavor Boosters

• Chipotle
• Diced green chilies
• Enchilada sauce
• Water

Pour the liquids over the chicken mixture and bring to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Reduce the heat to a gentle medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Shred and Cream

• Cream
• Yogurt

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle in fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Top with Tortillas

Carefully layer tortillas over the saucy chicken mixture. Generously sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

• Fresh lime juice
• Sliced avocado
• Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro

Serve immediately while the skillet is piping hot and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Tips That Help With Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Perfectly Shred Chicken: Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken in the sauce, creating tender, uniform pieces that absorb maximum flavor.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chipotle amount to control heat intensity, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-seeking diners to enjoy the dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream and yogurt with coconut milk or dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan eaters.
• Quick One-Pan Meal: Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishes and create a streamlined cooking process from stovetop to oven.
• Garnish for Freshness: Top with fresh lime juice, avocado, and extra cilantro to add brightness and balanced acidity to the rich, hearty enchilada skillet.

How To Store And Warm Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Refrigerate: Store leftover enchilada skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers. Properly sealed, enchiladas stay good for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortillas and cheese separately.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when food is steaming hot and evenly warmed.

Best Sides For Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to complement the smoky chipotle and spicy flavors, cutting through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Refresh with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to echo the dish's bright citrus notes and balance the heat.
• Cool Cilantro Mocktail: Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of agave for a non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the enchilada's herbaceous undertones.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with high acidity to contrast the skillet's creamy texture and spicy profile.

Tasty Variations Of Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version that maintains the same robust flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap tortillas with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the spicy chipotle essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace cream and yogurt with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free meal.

FAQ On Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or turkey for a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chipotle adds a moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chipotle peppers.

• Do I need a specific type of skillet for this recipe?

An oven-safe skillet is crucial. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets work best for this recipe.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Sizzling Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet brings Mexican flavors straight to your kitchen with smoky, spicy goodness. Melted cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering one-pan meal that satisfies you with its irresistible southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 can (12 oz) red enchilada sauce

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2–3 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 cup cream
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• Limes, for serving
• Avocado, for serving
• Yogurt, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious oven-safe skillet and heat the oven to a robust 400°F.
2. Combine tender chicken pieces with finely chopped onion, creating a flavorful base seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of salt.
3. Introduce smoky chipotle peppers and zesty green chilies into the skillet, then generously pour enchilada sauce mixed with water to create a rich, bubbling liquid.
4. Ignite the heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to cook thoroughly for 10-15 minutes.
5. Using two forks, delicately shred the chicken directly within the aromatic sauce, ensuring even distribution. Swirl in creamy dairy elements, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.
6. Carefully layer soft tortillas across the chicken mixture, creating a rustic, overlapping pattern that will absorb the flavorful sauce.
7. Generously sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheese over the tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of bright lime juice, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a final, refreshing touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the smoky chipotle flavor profile.
• Reduce the spice level by using mild enchilada sauce and removing chipotle peppers for sensitive palates or kids who love Mexican-inspired meals.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of cream to lower fat content and add a tangy protein boost while keeping the dish creamy and rich

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg