One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Cheesy, creamy, and zesty, the One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a delightful dish that transforms your weeknight dinners. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the hassle of rolling them up. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, this skillet meal is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sour cream, cheese, and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy chicken enchilada skillet.
Tools and Preparation
To get started on your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet ensures even cooking of all ingredients while providing enough space for stirring.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps create a smooth sauce by effectively blending the flour into the butter and broth.
Ingredients
For the Base Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
For the Chicken and Toppings
- 4 ounces chopped green chiles
- 4 ounces chopped black olives
- 3 whole boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 whole corn tortillas (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups colby-jack cheese (grated)
How to Make One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted.
- Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens—about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add chipotle chili powder, salt, oregano, green chiles, and black olives into the sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts into the pan.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the pan while leaving heat on low.
- Place chicken on a plate and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in sour cream into the sauce.
- Return shredded chicken to the pan along with cut-up tortillas.
- Mix until combined, then top with grated cheese.
- Cover pan and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet!
How to Serve One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Serving your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet is simple and fun. This dish is versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides or toppings to enhance its flavors. Here are some great serving suggestions.
With Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh jalapeños are perfect.
- Diced Avocado – Creamy avocado complements the zesty flavors beautifully.
Accompanied by Sides
- Spanish Rice – A classic pairing that adds hearty texture and flavor.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans provide a satisfying bite alongside the enchiladas.
- Guacamole – This creamy dip enhances the overall taste with its rich flavor.
With Additional Sauces
- Salsa Verde – A tangy sauce that can elevate your enchilada experience.
- Hot Sauce – For an extra layer of heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the top.
How to Perfect One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
To ensure your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Chicken – Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will improve flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the chipotle chili powder based on your preference for heat; start small and add more if desired.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance taste and nutrition compared to canned versions.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Complementing your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing salad featuring sweet corn, lime, and spices makes a vibrant side dish.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa provide a fun appetizer or snack option.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice create a light and flavorful topping.
- Cabbage Slaw – A crunchy slaw dressed in lime juice adds freshness and balance to your meal.
- Black Bean Salad – This protein-rich salad pairs well with enchiladas for added heartiness.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies offer a smoky flavor that complements the creamy skillet dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can sometimes lead to common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when making your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your sauce properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in the skillet for too long can make it dry. Cook until just done, then shred it for the best texture.
- Not using enough liquid: A dry skillet can ruin this dish. Ensure your sauce has enough chicken broth for a creamy consistency.
- Ignoring tortilla size: Using larger tortillas can affect cooking time and texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even distribution and cooking.
- Rushing the cheese melting: Trying to rush the cheese melting by turning up the heat can burn it. Covering the pan helps melt it evenly without burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container, where it will keep well for 2-3 months.
- To avoid freezer burn, ensure it’s well-sealed before freezing.
Reheating One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat while stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet recipe.
How do I make my One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet spicier?
You can add more chipotle chili powder or include jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. You may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work fine; however, they might change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
The One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. This recipe offers a comforting weeknight meal that’s quick and satisfying—perfect for busy evenings!
One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet, a creamy and cheesy dish that’s packed with flavor and convenience. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that brings all the classic tastes of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling them. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, making it a family favorite that even picky eaters will adore. With the flexibility to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces chopped green chiles
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 corn tortillas (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups colby-jack cheese (grated)
- Optional: chipotle chili powder, black olives, oregano
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add spices, green chiles, and black olives; place chicken breasts in the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken and stir in sour cream and tortilla pieces until well combined.
- Top with cheese, cover, and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
