Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that’s quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my recipe for a Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. This dish is a total game-changer, especially on those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time (or energy) to whip up something fancy. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the black beans and corn, making it not just tasty but nutritious too! Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup—yay! Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to throw this together, and the flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Prepare Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken cooking! Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your diced chicken. You want to cook it until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly. Once it’s beautifully browned, you can move on to the next step. Oh, the smell of sizzling chicken is just heavenly!
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Now, let’s bring in the flavor! Add the drained black beans, corn (frozen or canned works great), diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will start smelling like a Mexican fiesta!
Step 3: Combine and Cook
After mixing it all up, let the skillet cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together nicely. Keep an eye on it and give it a good stir now and then. You want everything to be heated through and the sauce to thicken just a little. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Step 4: Add Cheese
Alright, it’s cheese time! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of your mixture. Now, cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Covering the skillet is key here; it traps the heat and helps the cheese melt perfectly. Mmm, can you picture that gooey goodness?
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Garnish your Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet with some fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can serve it just as it is or with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Either way, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied and healthy.
- One-skillet meal means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Bold, zesty flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
- Versatile dish—enjoy it on its own, with tortillas, or over rice.
- Customizable! Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this scrumptious Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet, here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail it every time!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store! Just shred it and toss it in. It’s a fantastic shortcut that’ll save you cooking time.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can really make this dish your own!
- Vegetable Boost: Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to add color and nutrition!
- Cheese Choices: I love using a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. Try blending cheddar with some pepper jack for a little kick! Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting.
- Cooking Technique: Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the chicken or the sauce. If it starts to stick, just add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to loosen it up.
- Make it Ahead: You can prep this dish ahead of time! Just cook everything up to the cheese step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and add the cheese.
With these tips, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying skillet dish that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. However, here’s a typical breakdown for one serving of my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These values are a great way to gauge how this meal fits into your dietary needs. Enjoy the deliciousness while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can either leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quicker thaw. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if it’s still a bit frozen when you start cooking.
What can I substitute for the enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, no worries! You can use salsa or even a homemade mix of tomato sauce with some spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. It’ll give a similar flavor profile, so you won’t miss out on that deliciousness!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and add more beans or even some diced tofu for protein. You can also throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying. Trust me, it’s still going to be super tasty!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure thing! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week, just double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook it in batches. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might take a few extra minutes for everything to heat through!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet are just as delicious, and I’ve got some handy tips for storing and reheating them to keep that flavor intact! First off, let the skillet cool down a bit before you store it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps everything nice and fresh.
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. I usually like to use glass containers since they’re durable and don’t absorb any odors. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you think you’ll have leftovers beyond that, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. It should stay good for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your tasty leftovers, you have a couple of options for reheating. For the best texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to help it warm up evenly and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and bubbling. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is also a quick option—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s nice and hot.
With these tips, you’ll be able to savor every last bite of your enchilada skillet, even days later! Enjoy!
Print
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A quick and healthy chicken enchilada skillet recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the diced chicken over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, and chili powder.
- Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas or over rice.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet