The Best Skillet Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Ever

Creamy chipotle chicken enchiladas spark memories of cozy family dinners with bold, smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Southwest comfort calls through every delicious bite of this hearty dish.

Rich cream and spicy chipotle peppers create a perfect harmony of taste sensations.

Soft tortillas wrap tender, seasoned chicken in a velvety sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight cooking becomes an adventure with these enchiladas that blend traditional Mexican inspiration and modern kitchen creativity.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Come savor a meal that connects you to vibrant culinary traditions and brings genuine joy to your table.

Ingredients for Skillet Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: A tender and juicy base that absorbs the rich chipotle flavors in this enchilada dish.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt: Blend of classic spices that enhance the chicken's natural taste and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Chipotle: Provides a smoky and spicy kick that defines the enchilada's distinctive taste.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright herb note that complements the rich and spicy elements.

• Enchilada Sauce: A traditional Mexican sauce that provides the foundational flavor for the dish.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for cooking the chicken.
• Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Contributes tanginess and helps create a creamy texture.
• Green Chilies: Introduces a mild, fresh pepper flavor to the sauce.

• Tortillas: The traditional wrap that holds the chicken and sauce together.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory element to the dish.

• Lime Juice, Avocado: Fresh accompaniments that brighten and balance the rich, spicy flavors.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas in Skillet

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F to get ready for some serious cooking magic.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Chicken
• Onion
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Mix everything together to create a flavor-packed base for your enchiladas.

Step 3: Introduce Spicy Companions

• Chipotle peppers
• Diced green chilies
• Enchilada sauce
• Water

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook The Chicken

Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for 10-15 minutes until it’s perfectly tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Transform The Chicken

• Cream
• Yogurt (optional)

Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Sprinkle in fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Create The Enchilada Layer

Carefully arrange tortillas over the saucy chicken mixture.

Generously sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

• Fresh lime juice
• Sliced avocado
• Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro

Enjoy your mouthwatering skillet enchiladas straight from the pan!

Tips to Nail Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas

• Replace chicken with tofu, black beans, or shredded turkey for vegetarian or alternative protein options that keep the dish's rich flavors intact.
• Adjust chipotle amount or use mild green chilies to make the dish kid-friendly or suitable for sensitive palates without losing the authentic taste.
• Use slightly crisp corn tortillas or warm them briefly before arranging to maintain a better texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess while reducing overall fat content compared to traditional sour cream or heavy cream.
• Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate, then assemble and bake just before serving to save time and develop deeper flavors.

Different Ways to Change Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas

• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Replace chipotle with mild green chiles for a softer, milder flavor profile that's perfect for those who prefer less heat.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Swap chicken with black beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Habanero Enchiladas: Increase heat by adding diced habanero peppers and using a spicier enchilada sauce for those who love intense, fiery flavors.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute red enchilada sauce with tangy salsa verde for a bright, zesty Mexican-inspired variation that brings fresh herb notes to the dish.

What Sides Work With Chicken Enchiladas Dish

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Blend tangy lime margaritas with a hint of salt to complement the spicy chipotle chicken enchiladas. The citrusy cocktail cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the dish's bold flavors.
• Serve Mexican Cerveza: Choose a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the enchiladas' rich, smoky heat. The light, refreshing beer provides a cool contrast to the spicy, creamy chicken.
• Match Fresh Sangria: Create a fruity white sangria with citrus fruits and a touch of cinnamon. The sweet, vibrant drink softens the chipotle's intensity while adding a refreshing summer twist to the meal.

How to Store Chipotle Enchiladas the Right Way

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place enchiladas on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shredded beef, pork, or even turkey for a similar delicious result.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chipotle adds moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chipotle peppers.

• Do I need a special type of skillet?

An oven-safe skillet works best, but if you don’t have one, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding tortillas and cheese.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate. Add tortillas and cheese just before baking to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Why These Chicken Enchiladas Taste Extra Creamy

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Transform boring chicken into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort, using just one skillet for cooking and baking.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily to match dietary needs or pantry availability, making this recipe super flexible for different tastes and preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Packed with bold chipotle and green chili notes, this dish delivers a zesty Mexican-inspired experience that will excite everyone at the table.
• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pan wonder comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Skillet Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Skillet creamy chipotle chicken enchiladas bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with bold, smoky flavors. Spicy chipotle peppers and melted cheese combine effortlessly, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 corn or flour tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2–3 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo

Vegetables and Sauces:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 can (12 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Limes (for serving)
• Avocado (for serving)
• Yogurt (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F, preparing for a sizzling enchilada feast.
2. Place chicken, onion, paprika, garlic powder, and salt into a large oven-safe skillet, creating a flavor foundation.
3. Incorporate chipotle and green chilies, then drench with enchilada sauce and water, building a rich, spicy base.
4. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Utilize two forks to shred chicken directly within the sauce, creating tender, succulent meat pieces.
6. Stir in cream and yogurt, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency over 5 minutes.
7. Sprinkle fresh cilantro into the skillet, infusing the mixture with bright, herbaceous notes.
8. Carefully layer tortillas across the chicken mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Generously scatter cheese over the tortillas, creating a melty, golden topping.
10. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden crust.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, additional yogurt, and cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Reduce spiciness by using mild green chilies and less chipotle, perfect for sensitive palates or kids.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen cleanup time.
• Customize toppings like adding pickled jalapeños or switching cheese types for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg