Craving the comforting flavors of chicken enchiladas but short on time? This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Skillet brings all the cheesy, tangy goodness of traditional enchiladas into a quick and convenient one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, with tender chicken, warm tortillas, and a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- 4 ounces chopped green chiles
- 4 ounces chopped black olives
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups Colby-Jack cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the flour to the remaining butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the kosher salt, chipotle chili powder (if using), and oregano.
- Add Flavors and Tortillas: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped green chiles and black olives. Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream, mixing until well combined. Add the cut tortillas to the skillet, stirring them gently into the sauce to ensure they are fully coated and begin to soften.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce and tortillas. Sprinkle the grated Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Creamy Chicken Enchilada Skillet directly from the pan, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of enchiladas in a fraction of the time. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for feeding the family on busy nights. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese will make this a regular in your dinner rotation. Serve it with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!