Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines tender chicken, rich spices, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. With layers of flavor and textures, chicken enchiladas are not only satisfying but also incredibly comforting, making them a go-to option for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this chicken enchiladas recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The combination of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that pleases everyone. It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills while still delivering impressive results. Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to fit into various diets, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a comforting dish for a chilly evening, or a crowd-pleasing option for a party.
Tips and Tricks
- Pre-cook chicken: For added flavor, you can roast or grill the chicken before shredding it. This step infuses the meat with smoky undertones.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Customize the sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your enchilada sauce.
- Cheese choices: Mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack work beautifully together.
- Add veggies: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers or onions into the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare chicken enchiladas ahead of time by assembling them up to the point of baking. Simply wrap the assembled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add sauce, and cover with cheese before placing them in the oven. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian option: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for a delicious meatless version.
- Different proteins: Swap out chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a unique taste.
- Sauce variations: Try using green enchilada sauce or red sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Cooking methods: Instead of baking, you can prepare enchiladas in a slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
How to Serve
Serve your chicken enchiladas hot from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or avocado slices on top before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
For the perfect drink pairing, serve your chicken enchiladas with a refreshing margarita or a light Mexican lager. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a tangy limeade or iced tea works wonderfully. As for sides, consider serving tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, and for dessert, indulge in flan or churros for a sweet finish.
How to Store
Store leftover chicken enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each enchilada tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet for sautéing and cooking chicken.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling and baking the enchiladas.
- A mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- Aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or tofu, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a gluten-free version, ensure that you use corn tortillas instead of flour. If you have nut allergies, double-check all sauces and cheese for nut-based ingredients, opting for nut-free brands.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring and summer, use fresh vegetables like corn and bell peppers to enhance the filling. In the fall and winter, consider adding butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a richer flavor. Fresh herbs can also be swapped in depending on the season—think cilantro in the summer and sage in the fall.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor.
- How long do I bake the enchiladas? Bake them for about 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Can I make this recipe without cheese? Yes, you can omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if desired.
- What can I substitute for the enchilada sauce? You can use salsa verde or even a homemade tomato sauce seasoned with cumin and chili powder.
How To Make chicken enchiladas recipe
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines tender chicken, rich spices, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, half of the cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are warm and pliable, about 30 seconds.
- Spread a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 589Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 95mgSodium 711mgCarbohydrates 58gFiber 6gSugar 13gProtein 36g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken enchiladas is not just about feeding the body; it’s about creating a meal that brings people together. With its delicious flavors, comforting textures, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or serving it at a gathering, these enchiladas are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the process of cooking and share the joy of good food with those you love!