If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! This Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines shredded rotisserie chicken with zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, and a medley of spices, all topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should make this skillet meal and how to whip it up in no time!
Top Reasons to Make Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet
First off, this recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you’re short on time but craving something hearty and flavorful. Here are a few standout reasons to make this Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet:
– **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
– **One-Pan Meal**: No one likes to do dishes, and this recipe means less cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet.
– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of chipotle peppers, enchilada sauce, and spices creates a rich and smoky flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.
– **Great for Leftovers**: This dish keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Ingredient Checklist
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for the success of your Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Sliced green onion, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa for serving
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Large skillet or sauté pan: This will be your cooking vessel.
- Spatula: For mixing and flipping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife: For cutting your tortillas into strips.
Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet, Made Easy
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet:
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, enchilada sauce, chunky salsa, and water. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 2: Mix in the Beans and Chilies
Add the rinsed black beans, diced green chilies, and minced chipotle peppers to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Tortilla Strips
Gently fold in the tortilla strips, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce and chicken mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and additional salsa if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- For gluten-free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the shredded cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, meatless dish.
- Low-sodium: Opt for low-sodium enchilada sauce and black beans to control your salt intake.
If You’re Curious
You might be wondering about some aspects of this recipe. Here are a few points of interest:
- What kind of chicken should I use? Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this dish, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or even turkey.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the tortillas and cheese right before you’re ready to heat it up.
- What can I serve with this dish? It pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chipotle peppers and chili powder based on your heat preference.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
To maximize the freshness of your Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet, follow these storage tips:
- Cooling: Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Storing: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Rewarming: To reheat, simply place it back in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Ask & Learn
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor even further and allows you to control the ingredients and spice levels.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A Mexican cheese blend is ideal, but you can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack for a delicious melt.
Can I freeze the Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken mixture (without the tortillas and cheese) for up to 2 months. Just thaw and add the tortillas and cheese when ready to eat.
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
If you can’t find chipotle peppers, you can substitute them with a small amount of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a similar smoky flavor.
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That’s a Wrap
This Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors that will leave you craving more. The combination of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress!
Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, enchilada sauce, chunky salsa, and water. Stir to combine everything well.
- Add the rinsed black beans, diced green chilies, and minced chipotle peppers to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the tortilla strips, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce and chicken mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and additional salsa if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Skillet!
Notes
- For gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Dairy-free? Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- This dish makes great leftovers; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
