Easy White Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe: One-Pan Wonder

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering white chicken enchilada skillet that promises a delightful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Creamy, cheesy goodness melts perfectly with tender chicken and soft tortillas.

Every bite delivers a burst of rich, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this one-pan wonder.

The blend of green chiles, sour cream, and melted cheese creates a harmonious symphony of taste.

Hearty and satisfying, this skillet meal comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Prepare to savor a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why the White Chicken Enchilada Skillet Shines

• Whip Up a Quick Comfort Meal: This white chicken enchilada skillet is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe with straightforward steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for building culinary confidence.
• One-Pan Dish: Skip the multiple dish cleanup – this skillet method means less washing and more enjoying, transforming meal preparation into a hassle-free experience.

What Goes into White Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy white meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy ingredient for rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that adds smoothness.
• Jack Cheese: Mild and melty cheese for delicious coverage.

• Onions, Garlic: Flavorful base that builds delicious depth.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright, zesty notes.

• Cumin, Black Pepper, Bouillon, Cayenne Pepper: Warm and bold spice blend for depth.

• Butter, Water, Flour: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft and traditional Mexican-style bread.
• Green Chiles: Mild peppers with subtle heat.

• Avocado: Creamy and fresh topping for extra richness.

How to Cook White Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions become soft and develop a golden-brown color.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle in flour, cumin, bouillon, and black pepper.

Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich, toasted flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour water into the skillet, stirring constantly.

Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add chicken breasts to the skillet.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken from the skillet and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 6: Create Creamy Mixture

• Green chiles
• Cilantro
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Jack cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Add Tortillas

Tear corn tortillas into pieces and mix into the skillet.

Cook over medium heat until everything is evenly distributed and bubbly.

Step 8: Broil and Finish

Sprinkle remaining cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper over the top.

Place under the oven broiler for about 5 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Top with additional fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy skillet delight.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• Use two forks to pull chicken apart while it's still warm for easy, even shredding that melts in your mouth.
• Toast cumin and flour briefly to enhance their natural aromatics and create a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Adjust water quantity slowly while stirring to achieve your desired thickness without lumps or excess liquid.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to ensure smooth, creamy melting without separation.
• Break corn tortillas into smaller pieces for better absorption and a delightful mix of soft and slightly crispy elements.

Save and Reheat the Enchilada Skillet Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the enchilada skillet fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the skillet dish over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using stovetop or oven methods.

What to Serve with Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the creamy richness and complements the dish's spicy undertones.
• Serve alongside Tangy Lime Margarita: Zesty cocktail balances the enchilada's creamy texture with bright citrus notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Add Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, chunky salsa provides a cool, acidic contrast to the warm, cheesy skillet, adding freshness and extra texture to each bite.
• Choose Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine with herbal hints matches the cilantro and cuts through the dish's creamy consistency, creating a harmonious dining experience.

New Ideas for White Chicken Enchilada Skillet

• Gluten-Free Enchilada Skillet: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain sauce thickness while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy components with coconut cream, cashew cream, and vegan cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version without losing creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Mexican Skillet: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or plant-based protein crumbles to provide substantial protein and maintain authentic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Friendly Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of corn tortillas, reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the hearty skillet meal's essence and zesty Mexican-inspired taste.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this white chicken enchilada skillet unique?

Green chiles, cilantro, and jack cheese create a creamy, tangy flavor profile that sets this dish apart from traditional enchiladas.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level, with an optional pinch of cayenne pepper for those wanting extra spiciness. The green chiles add subtle warmth without overwhelming heat.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and easily shred when done.

White Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy white chicken enchilada skillet brings Mexican comfort straight to kitchen tables with bold southwestern flair. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and warm tortillas create a quick one-pan meal that delights you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese

Main Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 cups grated jack cheese
• 10 white corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces

Additional Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced yellow onions
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 Anaheim or Hatch chiles (or a 7-ounce can of diced green chiles, drained)
• 2 teaspoons canola oil (not needed if using canned chiles)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Cayenne pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium flame, melting butter until it shimmers with golden potential.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they transform into a soft, fragrant base with delicate caramelized edges.
3. Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, cumin, bouillon, and a whisper of black pepper, allowing the ingredients to toast and develop rich, complex flavors.
4. Gradually pour water into the seasoned mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles with promising consistency.
5. Nestle chicken breasts into the developing sauce, reduce heat, and cover, allowing them to gently poach until perfectly cooked through and tender.
6. Using two forks, tenderly shred the chicken into rustic, bite-sized morsels that will absorb the surrounding flavors.
7. Fold in green chiles, verdant cilantro, velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and a generous portion of jack cheese, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
8. Tear corn tortillas into rustic pieces and fold them into the skillet, ensuring each fragment is lovingly coated with the vibrant sauce.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and a whisper of cayenne across the surface, then slide under the broiler until the top becomes a golden, bubbling landscape.
10. Crown the dish with additional fresh cilantro and delicate avocado slices, serving immediately to capture the peak of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to help achieve better browning and more flavorful results.
• Use homemade chicken bouillon for lower sodium and more authentic flavor if possible.
• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Keep heat low while simmering chicken to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Shred chicken using two forks for more uniform, tender pieces that blend well in the skillet.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to create smoother sauce.
• Watch carefully under broiler to prevent cheese from burning and achieve perfect golden color.
• Add extra cayenne pepper for heat lovers or reduce for milder palates.
• Substitute lactose-free cheese and sour cream for dairy-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg