El Chico Brownie Skillet Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

1 Jun, 2023

Indulge in the rich and gooey goodness of El Chico Brownie Skillet with our easy-to-follow recipe. This mouthwatering dessert is the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and warm, melty perfection, making it a must-try for any sweet tooth. Get ready to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings with this delicious and unique dessert recipe.

El Chico Brownie Skillet

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 300 calories

About this recipe

El Chico Brownie Skillet is a popular dessert recipe that features a rich and gooey chocolate brownie made in a skillet. This dessert is usually served warm and is often topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect combination of hot and cold.

The recipe for El Chico Brownie Skillet is quite simple and easy to make. It involves melting butter in a skillet and adding cocoa powder, sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and chocolate chips to create a rich and decadent brownie batter.

The mixture is then baked in the same skillet until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

The end result is a warm, fudgy brownie with a crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor and the buttery, tender texture is truly irresistible and makes for an amazing dessert.

One of the great things about El Chico Brownie Skillet is that it's a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

Plus, the fact that it's made in a skillet means that it's easy to prepare and clean up.

El Chico Brownie Skillet is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Recipe origin and background

The origin of the El Chico Brownie Skillet recipe is not entirely clear, but it is likely that it originated in the United States.

The term "El Chico" is a reference to a chain of Mexican restaurants in the United States, which has been in operation since 1940. The restaurant chain is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, and the El Chico Brownie Skillet is a popular dessert item on their menu.

It's unclear whether the recipe was created by the restaurant chain or if it was inspired by a traditional Mexican dessert. However, it's worth noting that the use of a skillet for baking desserts is a common technique in Mexican cuisine, so it's possible that the recipe has roots in Mexican cooking traditions.

Regardless of its origins, the El Chico Brownie Skillet has become a popular dessert recipe in the United States and beyond, thanks to its delicious and indulgent flavor and its simplicity to prepare.

Why try this El Chico Brownie Skillet recipe?

There are several reasons why you should try the El Chico Brownie Skillet recipe:

It's easy to make: The recipe for El Chico Brownie Skillet is relatively simple and straightforward, making it a great option for novice bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert.
It's delicious: The combination of rich, chocolatey brownie and creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert pairing that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The texture of the brownie is also fudgy and dense, making it a truly indulgent treat.
It's versatile: El Chico Brownie Skillet is a versatile dessert that can be served on its own or with other accompaniments, such as whipped cream or fresh berries. It's also a great dessert for entertaining or for family gatherings.
It's a crowd-pleaser: Who doesn't love warm, gooey chocolate brownies? El Chico Brownie Skillet is sure to be a hit with friends and family, and it's a dessert that everyone can enjoy.
It's a fun twist on a classic dessert: The fact that this brownie is baked in a skillet instead of a traditional baking dish adds a fun and unique twist to the classic brownie recipe.

There are many good reasons to try the El Chico Brownie Skillet recipe, and you won't be disappointed with the delicious and indulgent results.

What does El Chico Brownie Skillet taste like?

The taste of El Chico Brownie Skillet can be described as rich, chocolatey, and indulgent. The brownie is fudgy, dense, and moist, with a crispy exterior and a soft and gooey interior.

The chocolate flavor is intense and satisfying, without being overly sweet, and the addition of chocolate chips adds extra texture and richness.

When served warm, the brownie has a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is enhanced by the contrast with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.

The combination of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, and sweet and slightly bitter flavors creates a perfect balance that is truly irresistible.

The taste of El Chico Brownie Skillet is decadent and indulgent, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or when you're in the mood for something sweet and satisfying.

What is in El Chico Brownie Skillet?

Unsalted butter: Used to melt and coat the skillet before adding the brownie batter. This will help prevent the brownie from sticking to the skillet.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the brownie batter and helps it to caramelize and develop a crispy crust.
Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds moisture and structure to the brownie.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and thickness to the brownie batter.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the brownie.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the brownie.
Baking powder: Helps the brownie to rise and become fluffy.
Vanilla extract: Adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the brownie.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds texture and extra chocolatey goodness to the brownie.
Vanilla ice cream: Served on top of the warm brownie to create a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Equipment required for this recipe

10-inch cast-iron skillet: This is the ideal pan to use for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven. A possible substitute could be a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet.
Mixing bowls: You'll need a medium bowl to mix the dry ingredients and a large bowl to mix the wet ingredients. If you don't have mixing bowls, you can use any large and medium-sized bowls you have.
Whisk or electric mixer: You'll need a whisk or electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. A possible substitute could be a fork or a hand-held electric mixer.
Measuring cups and spoons: You'll need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients. If you don't have measuring cups or spoons, you can use regular cups or tablespoons, but the measurements may not be as accurate.
Spatula: You'll need a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and to spread the brownie batter evenly in the skillet. A possible substitute could be a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula.
Oven: You'll need an oven to bake the brownie. If you don't have an oven, you can try cooking the brownie on a stovetop or grill, but the results may not be the same as baking it in the oven.

How to make El Chico Brownie Skillet

Satisfy your sweet tooth with our El Chico Brownie Skillet Recipe. Indulge in warm and gooey chocolatey goodness with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a medium-sized skillet (preferably cast iron), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour and chocolate chips to the skillet, stirring until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Bake the brownie skillet in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownie skillet cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chico Brownie Skillet!

How to serve El Chico Brownie Skillet

Once you have made the El Chico Brownie Skillet, follow these steps to serve it:

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice cream on top of the brownie, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
If desired, you can also drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the ice cream and brownie.
Serve the brownie skillet immediately while it's still warm, and enjoy!

You can also serve the brownie skillet with other accompaniments depending on your preferences. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add any extra toppings to the recipe.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 596 reviews.

Recipe Tags: El Chico Brownie Skillet, El Chico Brownie Skillet Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve El Chico Brownie Skillet with

El Chico Brownie Skillet is a decadent dessert on its own, but if you're looking to add some additional flavors or textures to the dish, there are several accompaniments that you could serve with it:

Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of the brownie skillet adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich and fudgy brownie.
Chopped nuts: Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, add a crunchy texture to the dessert that contrasts with the soft and gooey brownie.
Fresh berries: Adding fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, to the dish adds a pop of color and a tart flavor that balances out the sweetness of the brownie.
Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over the brownie skillet enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the brownie and ice cream adds a sweet and buttery flavor that complements the chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Ultimately, the choice of accompaniments will depend on your personal preferences, but any of the above options will add an extra element of flavor and texture to the El Chico Brownie Skillet.

My recommendations and tips

Use good quality chocolate: The chocolate is the star ingredient in this recipe, so it's important to use high-quality chocolate to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the batter: When making the brownie batter, be sure to mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough or dense brownies.
Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is the best type of skillet to use for this recipe as it distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, which helps to create a crispy exterior and a soft and gooey interior for the brownie.
Don't overbake the brownie: Be sure to keep an eye on the brownie as it bakes, and take it out of the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to a dry and crumbly brownie.
Serve immediately: El Chico Brownie Skillet is best served immediately while it's still warm and gooey. If you need to wait before serving, you can reheat the skillet in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Get creative with toppings: While vanilla ice cream is the classic accompaniment for this dessert, don't be afraid to get creative with toppings. You can add chopped nuts, fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce to customize the dish to your liking.

How to store El Chico Brownie Skillet

If you have any leftover El Chico Brownie Skillet, here are some steps to properly store it:

Let it cool: Before storing the skillet, allow it to cool to room temperature.
Cover the skillet: Cover the skillet with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the brownie to an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Place the skillet or container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat the brownie in the oven or microwave until warm.

Note that the texture of the brownie may change slightly after being refrigerated and reheated. The brownie may become a bit firmer and less gooey, but it will still be delicious. If you want to maintain the original texture and gooeyness of the brownie, it's best to serve it immediately after baking.

Potential ingredients substitutes

All-purpose flour: You could substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
Sugar: You could use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Chocolate chips: If you don't have chocolate chips, you could chop up a bar of chocolate into small pieces and use that instead.
Vanilla extract: You could use other flavor extracts such as almond or peppermint to add a different flavor profile to the brownie.
Butter: You could substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, but keep in mind that this may change the texture of the brownie.
Ice cream: You could use any flavor of ice cream you prefer, such as chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip.

Remarks

Some other important things you might want to know about El Chico Brownie Skillet:

Variations: You can add other ingredients to the batter, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or candy pieces, to add more texture and flavor to the brownie.
Portion size: El Chico Brownie Skillet is a rich and indulgent dessert, so you may want to serve smaller portions. You can cut the brownie into smaller pieces to make it more manageable.
Serving suggestions: In addition to ice cream, you can serve El Chico Brownie Skillet with other toppings such as whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce.
Make ahead: You can prepare the brownie batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be helpful if you're planning a party or event and want to save time on the day of.
Other skillet desserts: Skillet desserts are becoming increasingly popular, and there are many other delicious recipes to try, such as skillet cookies, skillet cakes, and skillet cobblers.
Nutritional information: While El Chico Brownie Skillet is a delicious treat, it is also high in calories, fat, and sugar. If you're watching your diet or have dietary restrictions, you may want to enjoy this dessert in moderation or find a healthier alternative.

Overall, El Chico Brownie Skillet is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something sweet and comforting. With a few tips and tricks, you can easily make this dessert at home and customize it to your liking.