Zesty Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Zesty Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe Made Simple

Sizzling skillets bring magic to weeknight dinners, and this salsa verde chicken enchilada skillet recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty salsa verde create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Every bite promises a burst of authentic Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

The one-pan wonder cuts down on cleanup while maximizing deliciousness.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts will devour this skillet from the first forkful.

Dive into a meal that turns an ordinary evening into a fiesta of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet: Ingredient List

For Base and Aromatics:
  • Oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, choose neutral oils like vegetable or canola.
  • Onion: Provides sweet and savory foundation, select firm and glossy onions without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Adds intense depth and aromatic flavor, pick firm cloves without sprouts or mold.
  • Ground Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine, freshly ground gives best flavor.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs salsa verde's tangy flavors, use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for convenience.
  • Zucchini: Adds subtle sweetness and nutrition, choose firm and vibrant green zucchini without blemishes.
  • Corn: Brings natural sweetness and textural contrast, fresh or frozen work equally well.
For Binding and Topping:
  • Salsa Verde: Provides zesty, tangy base sauce with bright green chile flavor, homemade or store-bought work perfectly.
  • Sour Cream: Creates creamy richness and balances spicy elements, full-fat version recommended for best texture.
  • Tortillas: Serves as delicious vehicle for ingredients, corn tortillas offer traditional taste while gluten-free options available.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds mild, creamy finish, select fresh block and grate for optimal melting.
  • Cilantro: Optional fresh garnish that adds bright, herbal note, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

What You’ll Need for Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Large oven-safe skillet: Essential for cooking and broiling the entire dish.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for dicing onions, chopping garlic, and slicing tortillas.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for all ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding Monterey jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure ground cumin and other spices.
  • Broiler: Melts cheese and gives a final golden touch to the dish.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet from Scratch

  • Sizzling Start

Warm your trusty skillet over medium-high heat and let olive oil dance across its surface. Toss in diced onions and zucchini, letting them soften and release their sweet, mellow essence.

  • Aromatic Awakening

Sprinkle ground cumin and minced garlic into the skillet, stirring until the kitchen fills with an inviting fragrance that hints at the deliciousness to come.

  • Creamy Fusion

Pour salsa verde and sour cream into the skillet, creating a luscious base. Fold in shredded chicken, sweet corn kernels, and torn tortilla pieces, transforming the mixture into a vibrant, textured delight.

  • Cheesy Crescendo

Let the skillet simmer briefly, then crown the entire creation with a blanket of monterey jack cheese. Slide the skillet under the broiler, watching as the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

  • Fresh Finale

Sprinkle fresh cilantro across the top, adding a bright, herbal note. Serve immediately, letting everyone dive into this comforting, flavor-packed skillet meal.

Cooking Tips and Variations for Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco to add unique flavor profiles and excitement to the dish.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or black beans to increase nutrition and add more color and texture to the skillet.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa verde, or add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance, storing it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat and top with fresh cheese before serving for a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Protein Playground: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or even plant-based alternatives like seasoned tofu or jackfruit for a delicious twist on the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Fiesta Plating Paradise: Arrange the skillet on a colorful ceramic plate, letting the melted cheese and vibrant salsa verde create an inviting visual feast.
  • Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with extra chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add zingy brightness and creamy contrast to the warm dish.
  • Sidekick Companion Choices: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal and provide additional textures and nutritional balance.
  • Quick Dipping Delights: Offer tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas on the side, allowing guests to scoop up extra sauce and customize their dining experience with every bite.

Storage and Planning Notes for Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Quick Batch Prep: Whip up this skillet chicken enchilada in advance and store portions in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Carefully transfer cooled enchilada skillet to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months, offering convenient emergency dinner solutions.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated or thawed enchiladas by warming in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of salsa verde to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but skillet reheating maintains the original texture and flavor integrity.
  • Smart Ingredient Separation: When storing, keep cheese and cilantro garnish separate from the main dish. Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy ingredients. This strategy ensures your enchilada skillet tastes freshly prepared every time.
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Zesty Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Zesty Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

This hearty Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Skillet delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with layers of rich flavor and easy preparation. Cheese melts perfectly over tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that quickly becomes a family favorite for home cooks seeking delicious weeknight dinner solutions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and sliced or shredded
  • 6 oz (170 g) tortillas, sliced (choose gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 cups (480 mL) salsa verde
  • ½ cup (120 mL) sour cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding diced onions and zucchini. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, then incorporate ground cumin and minced garlic to release their intense fragrance.
  2. Create Sauce: Whisk salsa verde and sour cream into the skillet, forming a smooth, tangy base that will coat the remaining ingredients with rich, creamy flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Fold in cooked chicken, corn kernels, and tortilla pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, melding flavors and creating a cohesive texture.
  4. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese across the skillet surface, then transfer to the oven’s broiler. Monitor closely as the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown landscape.
  5. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich base. Immediately present the skillet, showcasing a zesty, cheesy enchilada-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Prepare Ahead: Dice chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect sautéing without burning ingredients, creating optimal flavor development.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded Monterey jack for superior melting and more even coverage compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Broiler Watch: Monitor cheese closely during final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning, ensuring a golden-brown, perfectly melted topping.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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