Save One Tuesday night, I had about twenty minutes before my family needed dinner, and all I wanted was something that felt homemade without the usual fuss. I remembered watching my neighbor quickly throw together this skillet dish on a random weeknight, and how her kitchen smelled like toasted spices and melting cheese. That memory stuck with me, so I grabbed what I had on hand—leftover rotisserie chicken, some tortillas, a jar of enchilada sauce—and just started layering. What came out of that skillet was pure comfort, the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking but actually took less time than ordering takeout.
My daughter once asked if we could make dinner together on a Friday, and this skillet became our little project. She helped chop the peppers (with supervision), sprinkled the spices, and watched the cheese bubble under the broiler with genuine amazement. Since then, whenever she sees me reaching for tortillas and enchilada sauce, she asks if it's our special night again.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Two cups is perfect for feeding four people generously; rotisserie chicken is your shortcut to flavor without extra effort.
- Onion and bell pepper: These softened vegetables become the aromatic base that makes everything taste intentional and layered.
- Garlic: Just two minced cloves add warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Red enchilada sauce: A good store-bought sauce does the heavy lifting; don't feel guilty about using it.
- Black beans and corn: They add texture, nutrition, and a slight sweetness that balances the savory spices.
- Corn tortillas: Cutting them into strips lets them soften into the sauce rather than staying rigid; this is the textural trick that matters.
- Mexican blend cheese: It melts beautifully and tastes authentic; cheddar or Monterey Jack work in a pinch if that's what you have.
- Cumin and smoked paprika: These two spices together create that warm, recognizable flavor that tastes like home cooking.
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil and add the chopped onion and bell pepper. You'll know they're ready when they've softened and the kitchen starts smelling like something good is happening, about three to four minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it toast for just a minute more until fragrant.
- Season and layer the base:
- Stir in your cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper so every surface of the pan gets coated with spice. This step takes just a minute but transforms the entire dish from simple to intentional.
- Combine your proteins and vegetables:
- Add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and corn kernels, tossing everything together so it's all mingling. It should smell amazing at this point.
- Add the sauce and bring to life:
- Pour in that enchilada sauce and let everything come to a gentle simmer. This brings all the components together into one cohesive, saucy mixture.
- Fold in the tortilla strips:
- Add your tortilla strips and gently fold them into the mixture, making sure they're evenly coated in that gorgeous red sauce. They'll soften as they warm through.
- Top with cheese and finish:
- Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover and let it cook on low for about five minutes until the cheese melts into creamy pockets throughout. If you want it golden and bubbly, slide the uncovered skillet under the broiler for two to three minutes instead.
- Rest and serve:
- Let it sit for just two minutes after you remove it from heat so the flavors settle. Serve hot with whatever toppings call to you.
Save There's something special about a meal that gets better the longer it sits, and this skillet is exactly that. Even the next day, when you reheat a portion in the microwave, it tastes almost better than the first night, as if all those flavors had time to become friends with each other.
Why This Skillet Works on Busy Nights
The beauty of this dish is that it respects your time while still delivering real flavor. There's no complicated technique hiding in the steps, no ingredient you've never heard of, and nothing that can go dramatically wrong. If your cheese doesn't melt perfectly evenly, no one cares once they taste it. If your tortilla strips are slightly thicker than ideal, they'll still soften and be delicious. This is the kind of recipe that rewards you for showing up in the kitchen without demanding perfection.
Customizing to What You Have on Hand
I've made this skillet a dozen different ways depending on what was in my fridge that week. Turkey works beautifully instead of chicken, especially if you have leftover turkey after a holiday. For vegetarian nights, I've skipped the chicken entirely and added extra beans or a handful of sautéed mushrooms for heartiness. The core idea—sauce, cheese, tortillas, and whatever proteins make sense for your table—stays the same while your pantry gets a voice in the final dish.
Topping Ideas That Make It Feel Special
The toppings are where people at your table get to make this dish their own. A squeeze of lime brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the cheese. Fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous note that feels restaurant-quality but takes zero effort. Sour cream and diced avocado turn it from weeknight dinner into something that feels slightly indulgent, like you did more than you actually did.
- Cilantro and lime together are a game-changing combination that costs almost nothing.
- Keep sour cream on the side so people can add as much or as little as they want.
- If avocado isn't in your budget that week, the skillet is still absolutely complete without it.
Save This skillet has become the recipe I reach for when I need to prove to myself that good food doesn't require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. It's the meal that turns a regular Tuesday into something worth remembering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using certified gluten-free tortillas and enchilada sauce, this meal can be enjoyed gluten-free without compromising taste.
- → What can I substitute for chicken?
Cooked turkey, sautéed mushrooms, or extra black beans are great alternatives to chicken for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → How do I get the cheese perfectly melted?
Cover the skillet and cook on low for 5 minutes or place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- → What toppings complement this dish best?
Fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges add freshness and enhance flavors.
- → Is this meal suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and can be stored for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners during the week.