Spicy Salmon Bowls Recipe

This Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. With juicy chicken, creamy black beans, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, every bite promises a cheesy, spicy, saucy fiesta—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how the simplest, most familiar ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element serves a purpose: from the juicy chicken to the toothsome black beans and the punchy red enchilada sauce, every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or richness to this Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: The thighs stay extra juicy, soak up the bold seasonings, and bring hearty flavor you can really taste in every bite.
• Garlic powder: An easy way to infuse garlicky depth—skip mincing and save time!
• Cumin: Adds that subtle, smoky warmth that’s a must in any great Mexican-inspired dish.
• Oregano: Lends a hint of earthy, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper: These basics amplify every other flavor, so don’t forget a sprinkle.
• Canned black beans: Creamy, mild, and packed with protein—convenient and perfect for that classic enchilada filling.
• Red enchilada sauce: The star of the show! Pick your heat level and let this spicy, tangy sauce pull everything together.
• Salsa: Brings a fresh, tangy kick and a little extra body to your skillet sauce.
• White corn tortillas: Cut into strips, they soften just enough to turn delightfully chewy and soak up every bit of sauce.
• Mexican blend cheese, shredded: Crowd-pleaser status! This blend melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s totally irresistible.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced green onions, avocado, or tomatoes brighten, cool, and add contrasting flavor and texture.

Variations

This skillet is totally adaptable—think of it as a customizable canvas for your favorite flavors or dietary needs! There are so many ways to tweak the Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet to suit whatever you’re craving (or whatever’s in your fridge).

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save even more time by swapping in shredded rotisserie chicken—just stir it in after the sauce is heated.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on black beans or add extra veggies like sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
• Spice It Up: For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne as you sauté the chicken, or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
• Change Up the Cheese: Swap in pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or cotija for a different cheesy twist.

How to Make Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Season & Sauté the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat up a large skillet over medium (no oil needed if you’re using nonstick or cast iron!) and cook the chicken until it’s golden, fragrant, and fully cooked through. Taking a few minutes to develop this caramelized flavor is worth it—it forms the base for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add Beans, Sauce & Salsa

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle in the rinsed and drained black beans. Pour in your favorite red enchilada sauce and the salsa, then stir to combine. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens just a touch.

Step 3: Stir In Corn Tortillas

Add in the tortilla strips, stirring gently to evenly coat them with all that saucy goodness. Give them a moment to heat through and soften a bit—they’ll soak up the flavor while staying slightly chewy and never mushy.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let everything steam for about 2–3 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey, bubbly perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Dig In!

Off the heat, pile on your favorite toppings—think creamy dollops of sour cream, crisp green onions, fresh diced avocado, or bright tomatoes. Serve straight from the skillet and watch the crowd go wild!

How to Serve Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

Garnishing is where this Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet truly shines—think creamy dollops of sour cream, vibrant fresh avocado, crisp green onions, and juicy diced tomatoes. These toppings add color, coolness, and a final fresh layer that balances out all that hearty, cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round things out, serve it alongside a big green salad with lime vinaigrette, simple cilantro-lime rice, or a bowl of tortilla chips for scooping up that extra saucy goodness. Even a side of elote (Mexican street corn) is a dreamy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

You can dress up your Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet by serving it in colorful individual bowls, family-style straight from the skillet, or even using it as a filling for tostadas, stuffed bell peppers, or loaded nachos for a fun party twist. It’s just as delicious served rustic-style or dolled up for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making leftovers extra irresistible!

Freezing

This skillet freezes surprisingly well. Allow it to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the tortilla strips may soften further, but it’s still absolutely delicious reheated for a speedy meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of enchilada sauce or water if it seems too thick. You can also use the microwave—just cover to prevent splatters and pause to stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that comes together in a flash, Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Gather everyone around the table and give it a try—one bite, and you’ll see why this easy skillet dinner feels like comfort food on busy nights!

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