
If you love bold Mexican flavors but hate cleaning dishes, this one-pot chicken enchilada skillet is your new go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, and ready in under 30 minutes. Tested twice — best texture achieved when simmered for 10 minutes before adding cheese.
This family-approved dinner delivers all the comfort of enchiladas without the rolling or baking. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a big salad for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges, sour cream, or avocado slices
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Use vegan cheese or skip and top with avocado | Still creamy thanks to beans |
| Gluten-free | Use certified GF enchilada sauce | Most brands are naturally GF |
| No alcohol/pork | Not used | Keep it wholesome and family-safe |
| Pantry substitute | Use canned chicken in a pinch | Add at the end to avoid overcooking |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. - Add Flavor Base:
Stir in onions and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add enchilada sauce, broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. - Melt & Serve:
Reduce heat, stir in cheese until melted and bubbly. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Double the recipe for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
- Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
- For creamier texture, stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt off-heat.
- Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a lighter version.
- Want it spicier? Add chipotle powder or jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
- Scoop with tortilla chips for a fun family dinner.
- Wrap in warm tortillas for instant enchiladas.
- Pair with a side of Mexican coleslaw or salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat: 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until hot.
- Food safety: Always reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
FAQs
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A1: Yes! Add it after simmering to avoid overcooking.
Q2: What’s the best enchilada sauce for this?
A2: Mild red or smoky chipotle enchilada sauce works great — use what your family loves.
Q3: How can I make it lower in sodium?
A3: Use low-sodium broth, skip added salt, and rinse canned beans well.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 385; Protein: 34g; Carbs: 25g; Fat: 15g
Print
Chicken Enchilada Skillet One Pot Mexican
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
If you love bold Mexican flavors but hate cleaning dishes, this one-pot chicken enchilada skillet is your new go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, and ready in under 30 minutes. This family-approved dinner delivers all the comfort of enchiladas without the rolling or baking.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges, sour cream, or avocado slices
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in onions and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add enchilada sauce, broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat, stir in cheese until melted and bubbly. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Double the recipe for meal prep — it reheats beautifully. Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. For creamier texture, stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt off-heat. Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a lighter version. Want it spicier? Add chipotle powder or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: –
- Sodium: –
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: –
- Unsaturated Fat: –
- Trans Fat: –
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: –
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: –
Keywords: Chicken Enchilada Skillet One Pot Mexican, one-pot enchilada, easy skillet dinner, Mexican chicken skillet, weeknight dinner