Easy Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake

One-Pan, Cheesy, Cozy Bliss

“Like a warm hug from your favorite aunt… only with extra cheese and a little kick of spice.”

 

Some weeknights call for salads and saintly self-control… This isn’t one of those nights.

The beauty of a Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake is that it doesn’t pretend to be anything but pure, bubbly comfort. You get all the best parts of enchiladas — the saucy chicken, the gooey cheese, the soft tortilla layers — but you skip the tedious rolling, stuffing, and fuss.

It’s basically a “let’s get this deliciousness on the table fast” kind of dinner.

• One skillet = easy cleanup.
• No fancy techniques = stress-free cooking.
• Enough flavor to make everyone at the table happy.

The skillet method turns this into a kind of Tex-Mex lasagna meets cheesy casserole meets weeknight hero. Plus, you can customize it to the max — extra veggies, spice level to taste, even leftover turkey after the holidays.

Serve it straight from the skillet (I’m all about that rustic vibe), toss some toppings on the table — sour cream, salsa, avocado slices — and watch it disappear.

 

This meal takes you only 30 minutes or less to make but it will taste like you have been slaving over the stove for hours! I love using Rotisserie chicken because they are so flavorful but take down the prep time.

 

📋 Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake Recipe

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup salsa (your choice: mild, medium, or bring-the-heat)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or cheddar/jack mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra salsa

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies
   • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chicken & sauce
   • Stir in shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, salsa, chili powder, and cumin.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Layer in the tortillas
   • Gently stir tortilla pieces into the skillet mixture until coated and slightly softened.
4. Cheese time
   • Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
5. Melt & bake
   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cheese melt (about 2–3 minutes), OR place under broiler for 1–2 minutes for golden, bubbly goodness.
6. Serve hot
   • Add your favorite toppings and enjoy straight from the skillet.

🔢 Calorie Count & Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

 

 

 

💡 Cooking Tips

• Use Leftovers: This is the perfect home for last night’s chicken or turkey.
• Spice Control: Keep it mild for the kiddos, then add jalapeños or hot sauce at the table for spice lovers.
• Crispy Top Hack: Broil uncovered for a couple of minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown cheese.
• Veggie Boost: Add corn, zucchini, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to the cheese stage, refrigerate, then heat and melt cheese when ready to serve.

🎨 Recipe Variations

• Green Enchilada Bake: Swap red sauce for green enchilada sauce and add diced green chiles.
• Breakfast Twist: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of chicken; top with salsa verde.
• BBQ Fusion: Replace enchilada sauce with BBQ sauce for a fun Tex-Mex-BBQ mash-up.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap tortillas for thin zucchini slices or low-carb wraps.
• Bean & Cheese Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the beans for a hearty meatless Monday meal.

👧 Kid Tips

• Let them sprinkle the cheese and “design” their own topping section.
• Serve with tortilla chips — kids love scooping like it’s nachos.
• Keep spices mild; let adventurous eaters add their own hot sauce.
• Cut into small “pizza” wedges for little hands.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Rotisserie Shortcut: Save time by shredding rotisserie chicken — one bird usually yields about 4 cups.
• Bulk Cheese: Buy shredded cheese in bulk and freeze in 2-cup portions.
• Tortilla Trick: Keep extra tortillas in the freezer; they thaw in minutes.
• Pantry Staples: Canned enchilada sauce, beans, and salsa last ages in the pantry — keep them stocked for emergency dinner nights.

🎉 Hosting & Serving Ideas

1. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 🇲🇽

• Serve the skillet center stage on a colorful table runner.
• Surround it with little bowls of toppings — guac, sour cream, lime wedges, pickled onions — so guests can customize.
• Add a pitcher of agua fresca or margaritas for adults, and you’re officially the hostess of the year.

2. Game Night Crowd-Pleaser 🏈

• Double the recipe and use two skillets so no one waits for seconds.
• Keep it warm on low heat in the oven until halftime.
• Serve with baskets of tortilla chips so people can scoop it up like a dip — no forks required.

3. Casual Family Gathering 🏡

• Serve with a “toppings bar” for the kids — shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese — so they feel like they “made” their own plate.
• Pair it with a simple side salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness.

4. Holiday Leftovers Remix 🎄

• Swap the chicken for leftover turkey or ham from holiday meals.
• Serve with cranberry salsa for a festive twist.

5. Potluck Star 🍲

• Transport it right in the skillet — wrap the handle in foil for easy carrying.
• Keep a little extra sauce in a thermos to stir in before serving to keep it saucy and fresh.

6. Summer Patio Dinner 🌞

• Add fresh corn and zucchini to the filling for a sunny, seasonal vibe.
• Serve with chilled sangria or lemonade and a big platter of grilled veggies.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake checks all the boxes:

• Quick
• Comforting
• Family-friendly
• Minimal cleanup

It’s the kind of recipe that works on a random Wednesday, a game-day spread, or as a “drop it off for a friend” meal. The layers of saucy chicken, melty cheese, and soft tortillas are exactly what cozy weeknight dinners should taste like.

🏁The Weeknight Hero Your Menu Needed

We all have those nights when energy is low, appetites are high, and you just want something that tastes like a big warm hug. This is that recipe.

So grab your skillet, toss in your ingredients, and watch dinner magic happen in under 40 minutes. Pair it with a side salad if you’re feeling virtuous… or just pass the chips and guac. No judgment here. Tag us on Instagram or leave us a comment below! We love hearing from you!