Chicken Enchilada Recipe: Chicken enchiladas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing Mexican dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese, these enchiladas are pure comfort food.
Not only are they flavorful, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make! This guide will walk you through every step to create perfect chicken enchiladas right in your kitchen.
What Are Chicken Enchiladas?
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of rolled tortillas filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables, and then topped with a savory sauce. Chicken enchiladas are one of the most popular variations, combining tender shredded chicken with enchilada sauce and cheese. The dish is baked to perfection, delivering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this chicken enchilada recipe is for you. It’s simple enough for a beginner cook but delicious enough to impress guests. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—whether you prefer spicier flavors, different cheeses, or additional toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make these mouth-watering chicken enchiladas:
- Tortillas (8-10 medium-sized)
- Cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 cups)
- Enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought, about 2 cups)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, about 2 cups)
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional ingredients:
- Sour cream
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra spice)
Choosing the Right Tortillas
For enchiladas, you can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are traditional and offer a more authentic texture and flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. To prevent your tortillas from tearing when rolling, lightly fry them in oil or heat them briefly in the microwave to soften them up.
Making the Chicken Filling
Start by preparing the chicken filling. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use that. Otherwise, you can poach or bake chicken breasts, then shred them using two forks.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
The Enchilada Sauce
The enchilada sauce is what ties the entire dish together. While store-bought sauce works in a pinch, making your own enchilada sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. To make a simple sauce, combine:
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt to taste
Cook the ingredients in a saucepan, stirring until it thickens, and then set aside.
Assembling the Chicken Enchiladas
Now comes the fun part—assembling your enchiladas! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Take a warmed tortilla, add 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, and roll it up tightly.
- Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture until the dish is full.
Adding the Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are rolled and in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the enchiladas, ensuring an even layer for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Baking the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnishing the Enchiladas
When the enchiladas are done baking, let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and slices of avocado or jalapeños for a bit of extra flair. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavors with their freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken enchiladas are a filling meal on their own, but if you want to make a full Mexican-inspired feast, consider serving them with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- A fresh green salad
- Chips and guacamole
A cold margarita or iced tea would also complement the rich flavors perfectly!
Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a different take. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or roasted vegetables instead of meat. Additionally, you can swap out the enchilada sauce for a green tomatillo sauce for a tangier flavor.
Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftover enchiladas, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you want to freeze them, wrap each enchilada in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months!
FAQs about Chicken Enchilada Recipe
What ingredients are needed for chicken enchiladas?
To make chicken enchiladas, you’ll need cooked and shredded chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, onions, and optional seasonings like cumin, garlic, and chili powder.
How do I make chicken enchiladas from scratch?
Start by filling tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and onions. Roll them up and place in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works great. You can also make your own with tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and spices.
How long should I bake chicken enchiladas?
Bake your enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken enchiladas offer a perfect balance of flavors, making them a favorite for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Their customizable nature allows you to experiment with different ingredients, creating a dish that suits your taste.
Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder version, this recipe is both versatile and easy to follow. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal packed with flavor.
