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Ultimate One Skillet Saucy Chicken Tortilla Enchilada Rice Bake. picture

One Skillet Saucy Chicken Tortilla Enchilada Rice Bake.

A hearty, all-in-one skillet enchilada-style rice bake with saucy seasoned meat, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken, beef, or turkey
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeños seeded and chopped, use to your taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce (about 19 ounces)
  • 1 chipotle chili in adobo chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup dry long grain rice
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for serving
  • 1 lime juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cups tortilla chips
  • 1-2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • sliced avocado and yogurt for serving

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • lid for skillet or tight-fitting foil
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the ground meat and chopped onion; cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and kosher salt; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the enchilada sauce, chopped chipotle if using, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
  6. Stir in the dry long-grain rice, cover the skillet, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and simmer 15 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed but rice is not fully dry.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
  8. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese over the rice mixture, add the tortilla chips on top pressing gently into the cheese, then evenly sprinkle remaining cheese.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve topped with sliced avocado, extra cilantro, and a dollop of yogurt as desired.

Notes

  • Use any ground meat listed according to preference.
  • Adjust jalapeño amount for desired heat.
  • Chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat; omit if avoiding spice.
  • If rice is still very firm after 15 minutes, simmer a few more minutes before baking.