One-Skillet Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Meal
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and a sink full of dishes! This incredible One-Skillet Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes recipe is here to revolutionize your meal routine. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces and perfectly cooked golden potatoes, all swimming in a rich, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce infused with the vibrant flavors of green chiles. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting, satisfying experience designed for busy evenings.
Crafted with readily available pantry staples, this dish simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste. Its one-pot nature means minimal cleanup, making it a dream come true for anyone tired of endless scrubbing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, you’ll appreciate how straightforward and rewarding this recipe is. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. Get ready to add this Green Chile Chicken with Potatoes to your regular dinner rotation – it’s guaranteed to be a new family favorite!
One-pot meals truly are a lifesaver, especially when you’re faced with a mountain of neglected dishes. While some might argue that cooking everything in a single pan can take a tiny bit longer than using multiple pots, the trade-off is absolutely worth it for the ease of cleanup. I personally prefer spending more time savoring the meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans. For best results, I love preparing these kinds of dishes in a high-quality non-stick sauté pan or using my favorite pink pans. The non-stick surface ensures nothing gets stuck, making cleanup even quicker. Who else feels the same way about minimizing dish duty?
Why You’ll Love This Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
This Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes dish isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hero designed for modern life. Here’s why it’s poised to become your go-to:
- Effortless One-Skillet Wonder: Seriously, only one pan! This drastically cuts down on cleanup time, leaving you more moments to relax and enjoy. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, aromatic spices, mild green chiles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. It’s savory, a little spicy, and incredibly comforting.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, making this a spontaneous meal option without an extra trip to the grocery store. It’s built on simple, accessible items that deliver big on taste.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this meal can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and much healthier, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.
- Customizable for All Tastes: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference or add extra vegetables. You can even make it dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions without compromising much on flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases everyone! The familiar flavors of chicken and potatoes, combined with a mild spice, make it a hit with both adults and children.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this an excellent option for packing lunches or enjoying another hearty meal the next day.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Green Chile Chicken with Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of mostly pantry-staple ingredients. You’ll find that these components come together to create a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s delve into the star ingredients and some handy tips:
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, providing a rich base flavor.
- Chicken Breast: Cubed chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more succulent texture, just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Pepper): This blend provides the foundational warmth and earthy notes characteristic of Southwestern cuisine. Don’t skimp on these; they are crucial for depth of flavor. Adjust chili powder to control spice.
- Golden Potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well and get wonderfully tender and creamy when cooked in the sauce. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for quicker and more even cooking. Russet or red potatoes can also be used, though cooking times might vary slightly.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and pungent aromatic base when sautéed.
- Poblano Pepper: Offers a mild, earthy heat and a subtle smoky flavor. If you prefer more heat, you could add a diced jalapeño alongside the poblano. For less heat, you can omit the poblano, but it adds a wonderful layer of complexity.
- Water: Helps steam the potatoes to tenderness and creates the saucy consistency. Chicken broth can be used for an even richer flavor.
- Canned Diced Green Chiles: These are the heart of the “green chile” flavor profile – typically mild and savory, adding that distinctive Southwestern tang. Ensure they are diced for even distribution.
- Green Chile Enchilada Sauce: This sauce brings a fantastic depth of flavor and body to the dish. Choose your preferred brand and spice level (mild, medium, or hot).
- Mexican-Style Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other mild cheeses melts beautifully and adds a creamy, decadent finish.
- Toppings (Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Avocado, Cilantro, Lime Wedges): These are optional but highly recommended for adding fresh contrast, creaminess, and a burst of acidity.
Dairy-Free Option: If you or a family member has a dairy allergy, rest assured this dish can easily be made dairy-free. Simply omit the Mexican-style cheese from the recipe. You can serve individual portions of cheese on the side, allowing those who can enjoy it to sprinkle it on top. The rich flavors from the green chiles, spices, chicken, and potatoes are robust enough to stand on their own, making it a delicious and inclusive meal for everyone.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your One-Skillet Green Chile Chicken
This dish is deceptively simple to make, yet it offers a wonderful departure from your typical weeknight dinner routines. If you find yourself in a dinner rut, this Green Chile Chicken with Potatoes is the perfect flavorful escape. Follow these easy steps to bring this delicious meal to life:
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your cubed chicken breast to the pan. Season the chicken generously with the chili powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the chicken frequently to ensure it’s fully coated in the aromatic spice blend. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through, typically about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of your cubes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a clean plate. Set it aside for now – it will return to the pan later to mingle with all the other delicious flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Aromatics
Using the same pan where you cooked the chicken (those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the diced golden potatoes, yellow onion, and poblano pepper. Stir these ingredients together to coat them in the oil and pick up any flavorful fond from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and give everything another good stir. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will steam and soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be fork-tender when ready.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Add the entire can of diced green chiles (undrained for extra moisture and flavor), the green chile enchilada sauce, and the Mexican-style cheese to the skillet. Give everything a thorough stir to combine these vibrant ingredients. Now, return the cooked chicken that you set aside back into the pan. Continue to stir gently as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Let the mixture simmer together for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. This final step creates that rich, cohesive, and utterly delicious green chile sauce that defines the dish.
Serve this hearty dinner immediately with your favorite fresh toppings to add a burst of flavor and texture. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
This One-Skillet Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines with a selection of fresh toppings. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal and textural contrast. Consider these options to elevate your dinner:
- Cool and Creamy: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a delightful tang and helps mellow the spice.
- Fresh and Bright: Diced fresh tomatoes or a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro bring a pop of color and freshness.
- Rich and Velvety: Slices or chunks of creamy avocado provide a luxurious texture and healthy fats.
- Zesty Finish: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
- Extra Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds can add a satisfying crunch.
- On the Side: Serve with a simple green salad, warm tortillas, or a side of rice to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, and to inspire your creativity in the kitchen, here are some helpful tips and variations:
Tips for Success:
- Uniform Potato Size: Cutting your potatoes into similarly sized small pieces (about ½ to ¾ inch cubes) is crucial for even cooking. This ensures they all become tender at the same time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to allow it to sear and brown properly, which builds flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: The amount of chili powder and the heat level of your green chile enchilada sauce can be adjusted. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. For less, use mild chiles and sauce.
- Scrape the Fond: After cooking the chicken, those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (the “fond”) are packed with flavor. When you add the potatoes and water, use your spoon to scrape these bits up – they will dissolve into the sauce, adding incredible depth.
Delicious Variations:
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken breast? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and more tender texture. Ground turkey or beef could also work well; just brown and crumble them before adding the potatoes.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other vegetables. Corn (frozen or fresh), diced bell peppers (red, green, or orange), or even sliced zucchini would be delicious additions. Add them with the potatoes and onions.
- Different Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper Jack will add more heat, while a sharp cheddar or Colby Jack can provide a different flavor profile. A smoky Gouda could also be an interesting twist.
- Creamier Texture: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving.
- Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika added with the other spices can enhance the smoky notes of the poblano and chiles.
- Beans for Bulk: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans along with the green chiles for added fiber and protein.
Storage and Reheating
This One-Skillet Green Chile Chicken and Potatoes makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Reheating (Microwave): For a quicker option, portion out the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
More Effortless One-Skillet Dinners
If you loved the ease and flavor of this one-skillet meal, you’re in for a treat! We have more fantastic recipes designed to minimize cleanup and maximize deliciousness. Explore these other family favorites:
- One Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice: A bright and zesty meal that brings together tender chicken, fragrant rice, and refreshing lemon in a single pot.
- Creamy Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes and Zucchini: Indulge in a rich, creamy sauce embracing succulent chicken, sweet tomatoes, and fresh zucchini, all cooked in one pan.
- Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup: A comforting and hearty soup, brimming with savory ground beef and an array of nutritious vegetables, perfect for a cozy evening.
Green Chile Chicken with Potatoes
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ pepper
- 4 medium golden potatoes, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup water
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- ½ cup green chile enchilada sauce
- ½ cup Mexican-style cheese
Instructions
- To a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and season with the remaining seasonings (chili powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper). Stir the chicken around to coat in the seasonings, then cook the chicken through until browned and no longer pink. Remove it to a clean plate and set aside.
- In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, add the remaining olive oil, diced potatoes, onions, poblano pepper, and water. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, cover with a lid and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Add the can of diced green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cheese, then add back in the cooked chicken. Stir gently to melt the cheese and let all the ingredients cook together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious one-skillet meal!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.