If you’re looking for a meal that’s not just delicious but also a breeze to whip up, then let me introduce you to my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet! This one-pan wonder is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and vibrant veggies all in one place. I mean, who doesn’t love less cleanup, right? Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. You’ll get that satisfying enchilada flavor without all the fuss of traditional recipes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce, your favorite brand
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mix colors for fun!)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (yellow or red, whatever you prefer)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh, sweet and crunchy
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed for a protein boost
- 1 tsp cumin, for that warm, earthy flavor
- 1 tsp chili powder, to add a little kick
- 1 cup shredded cheese, any melting variety works great
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
How to Prepare Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Getting this Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet on the table is super simple, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Let’s make cooking a breeze with these clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This is key—nobody wants undercooked chicken!
- Next, toss in 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped bell peppers. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes until they soften up and get a little sweet. The colors will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Now, stir in 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’re building layers of flavor here!
- Pour in the 10 oz can of enchilada sauce and give it a good stir to combine everything. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes—this helps the flavors meld together.
- Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it cook for a couple more minutes until the cheese is gooey and melted. Oh, the cheesy goodness!
Now, all that’s left is to serve it warm and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet! Here are just a few that make it a staple in my kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze—less time scrubbing dishes means more time to relax!
- Health-Conscious: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that won’t weigh you down.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of enchilada sauce, spices, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering blend that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll understand why it’s one of my favorites!
Tips for Success
To make your Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, be sure to cut your chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking—no one wants unevenly cooked chunks! If you like a little extra heat, don’t hesitate to bump up the chili powder or even add some diced jalapeños. Also, letting the dish simmer a bit longer after adding the enchilada sauce really allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese on top—it’s the crowning glory that makes everything taste divine! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is how easy it is to mix things up! Here are some fun ideas to customize this dish:
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to use zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes instead of bell peppers. The more colorful, the better!
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, toss in some cayenne pepper or diced green chilies to give your skillet a fiery kick.
- Cheese Variety: Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a bit of spice or a smoky cheddar for a rich flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: Switch out chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even blackened tofu for a vegetarian option. Yum!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top just before serving can elevate the flavor profile to a whole new level!
Get creative and let your taste buds guide you! Each variation brings a new twist to this delicious dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet? No problem! To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label the container so you know what’s inside!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you prefer the microwave, pop it in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Just be careful not to overcook it—nobody wants rubbery chicken!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just tasty but also nutritious! Each serving is estimated to have about 350 calories, making it a guilt-free option for any meal. You’ll get around 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat, and a hearty 30 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it packs in about 40 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fiber, which is fantastic for digestive health. Just remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use different proteins in this recipe? Absolutely! While I love using chicken, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like blackened tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with the Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet? This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to stretch it further, serve it with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. It’s also delicious with some tortilla chips for crunch!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just sauté everything together for a quick meal.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! As long as you choose a gluten-free enchilada sauce, this Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce? Don’t worry! You can use salsa or a homemade sauce made from diced tomatoes, chili powder, and spices as a tasty alternative. Get creative!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of beans, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to cook chicken safely, visit this USDA page.
Print
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A one-pan dish combining chicken, enchilada sauce, and vegetables for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in onion and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Add corn, black beans, cumin, and chili powder; mix well.
- Pour in enchilada sauce and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Top with avocado or cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet