Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Salsa verde chicken enchilada skillet elevates weeknight dinner with vibrant, zesty flavors that promise instant comfort.

Mexican-inspired cuisine brings bold, tangy elements to your plate, refineing simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken melds perfectly with bright, herbal green sauce, creating a harmonious one-pan meal.

Sharp tomatillos and jalapeños provide a distinctive kick that awakens taste buds without overwhelming delicate protein.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy families seeking satisfying nutrition.

Layers of melted cheese and robust seasonings refine ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Complex yet approachable, this skillet promises a delicious journey through southwestern culinary traditions.

How to Make This Skillet Dinner from Start to Finish

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Warm the pan until it’s ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add to the skillet:
  • Diced onion
  • Optional zucchini

Cook vegetables until they become tender and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

Introduce to the skillet:
  • Ground cumin
  • Chopped garlic

Stir and cook until garlic releases its fragrant aroma, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Blend into the skillet:
  • Salsa verde
  • Sour cream

Mix until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.

Step 5: Combine Hearty Ingredients

Fold into the skillet:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Corn
  • Sliced tortillas

Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Topping

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese across the surface.

Step 7: Broil To Golden Perfection

Place skillet under broiler for 1 minute until cheese melts completely and turns slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for an extra flavor burst. Serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Tips for a Creamy, Cheesy Enchilada Skillet

  • Maximize Skillet Flavor: Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper, more robust flavor development and even heat distribution.
  • Control Cheese Melt: Watch the broiler carefully to achieve perfectly golden, bubbly cheese without burning- just 30-60 seconds makes all the difference.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken for shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans to create versatile meal variations.
  • Enhance Salsa Verde Impact: Choose a high-quality, tangy salsa verde for brighter, more authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
  • Boost Texture Complexity: Cut tortillas into smaller pieces to help them absorb more sauce and create a more integrated, comforting dish.

Store and Reheat This Skillet Meal Without Dry Spots

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the skillet meal will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled enchilada skillet to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Best Toppings and Sides for Enchilada Skillet

  • Pair with Zesty Margarita: Mix tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to complement the tangy salsa verde and creamy chicken enchilada skillet, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
  • Match with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Create a cool side dish featuring grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to echo the corn in the skillet while providing a crisp textural contrast.
  • Serve with Southwestern Slaw: Whip up a crunchy cabbage slaw with jalapeños, cilantro, and a lime-cumin dressing that mirrors the dish's vibrant flavors and adds refreshing lightness to the hearty skillet.
  • Complement with Mexican Lager: Select a crisp, light beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cleanse the palate and balance the creamy, spicy elements of the enchilada skillet.

Fun Twists on the Classic Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Mexican Fiesta Fusion: Replace salsa verde with red enchilada sauce for a deeper, richer flavor profile. Add diced bell peppers and black beans for extra protein and color.
  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Incorporate diced jalapeños and chipotle peppers to kick up the heat. Swap Monterey jack for pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy element.
  • Vegetarian Green Dream: Substitute chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and plant-based protein like quinoa or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for added depth.
  • Coastal Seafood Spin: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp or white fish. Sprinkle in some fresh lime zest and top with diced avocado for a coastal-inspired version of the skillet.

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet That’s Packed with Zing

  • Create Creamy Comfort: This skillet enchilada delivers ultimate comfort food with a dreamy, creamy texture from salsa verde and sour cream, making every bite luxuriously smooth and satisfying.
  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: With just one skillet and minimal prep time, this recipe becomes a lifesaver for busy families, transforming dinner from stressful to delightful in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The dish offers incredible flexibility- swap chicken for beef, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies, allowing home cooks to personalize their Mexican-inspired meal effortlessly.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesy Goodness: Broiling with Monterey jack cheese creates an irresistible golden, bubbly topping that adds richness and a gorgeous restaurant-style finish to this homemade skillet sensation.

What You’ll Need for Salsa Verde Enchilada Skillet

Protein and Poultry:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main body of the dish, preferably cooked and easy to shred or slice.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the skillet dish.
  • Zucchini: Optional vegetable that provides extra nutrition and mild texture.
  • Garlic: Brings intense and robust flavor to the overall dish.
  • Corn: Sweet and crisp vegetable that adds texture and color to the enchilada skillet.
Seasoning and Sauce Components:
  • Ground Cumin: Warm and earthy spice that provides authentic Mexican flavor profile.
  • Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that serves as the primary flavor and moisture element.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creamy richness and helps balance the spicy and tangy components.
  • Tortillas: Soft wheat or corn base that creates layers and absorbs sauce, gluten-free options available.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that provides creamy and stretchy texture.
  • Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that adds bright and fresh garnish to the final dish.
  • Oil: Helps with sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
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Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired salsa verde chicken enchilada skillet delivers a zesty one-pan meal packed with bold flavors and melted cheese. Dinner comes together quickly, inviting home cooks to savor a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, tangy salsa verde, and hearty tortillas in one delicious pan.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and sliced or shredded
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) tortillas, sliced (choose gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

Seasonings, Liquids, and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) salsa verde
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large oven-safe skillet with oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface for transforming ingredients into a vibrant meal.
  2. Introduce diced onions and optional zucchini into the hot skillet, sautéing until vegetables soften and develop a translucent, tender quality, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle ground cumin and minced garlic into the skillet, allowing aromatics to release their intense fragrance and infuse the base with deep, complex flavors.
  4. Pour salsa verde and sour cream into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce that will envelop the remaining ingredients with tangy richness.
  5. Fold cooked chicken, corn kernels, and sliced tortilla pieces into the sauce, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and coated with the vibrant verde mixture.
  6. Reduce heat and allow the skillet contents to gently simmer, melding flavors and creating a cohesive, comforting texture.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and generously scatter shredded Monterey jack cheese across the surface, preparing for a golden, melted topping.
  8. Transfer skillet to oven’s broiler, monitoring closely as cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown landscape of deliciousness.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, adding a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the rich, creamy base.
  10. Serve immediately, presenting a skillet brimming with zesty, cheesy enchilada-inspired goodness.

Notes

  • Transform leftover chicken into a zesty, one-pan Mexican-inspired feast that saves time and minimizes cleanup.
  • Customize the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa verde to match your taste preferences.
  • Maximize flavor by using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken, ensuring tender and juicy meat throughout the skillet.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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