Chicken Enchiladas Recipe (with Video)

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Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal straight out of the oven? Chicken enchiladas are one of those dishes that bring comfort to the table while wowing your taste buds with bold, zesty flavors.

Originating in Mexican cuisine, enchiladas have become a global favorite, offering a satisfying blend of tender chicken, spicy sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients Needed

To make delicious chicken enchiladas, gather the following:

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Assembly:

  • 8-10 medium-sized flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or jalapeños for garnish

Optional Additions:

  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Diced green chilies

Equipment Required

  • Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
  • Medium-sized mixing bowls
  • Skillet for cooking the sauce
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
  • Aluminum foil (optional)

Preparation Steps

  1. Cooking the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, season it lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin before cooking. You can grill, bake, or poach the chicken until it’s fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  2. Making the Enchilada Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the enchilada sauce, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Making the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheese, onions (if using), cumin, chili powder, and a few tablespoons of the prepared enchilada sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This step is your chance to customize—add black beans, corn, or diced chilies if you like.

Assembling the Enchiladas

  1. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Lay a tortilla flat, add 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center, and roll it up tightly.
  3. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and lined up snugly.

Adding the Sauce and Cheese

Once all the tortillas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon to spread it, ensuring every tortilla is covered. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

Baking the Enchiladas

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for a pop of freshness. Pair with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Enchiladas

  • Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Briefly warm or lightly fry your tortillas before assembling to prevent them from breaking or becoming mushy.
  • Balance Flavors: Use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses for depth of flavor.
  • Spice Level: Customize the spice by adding hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or mild green chilies based on your preference.

Common Variations

  • Green Enchiladas: Swap red enchilada sauce for green tomatillo sauce.
  • Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or black beans instead of chicken.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortillas with zucchini slices or large lettuce leaves.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. To freeze, place individual portions in freezer-safe bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of chicken enchiladas (based on 8 servings) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 15g

For a lighter version, opt for whole-grain tortillas and reduce the cheese.

Variations of Chicken Enchiladas

Green sauce vs red sauce enchiladas
For a twist, try swapping the traditional red sauce for a tangy green enchilada sauce made from tomatillos, green chilies, and lime juice. This version is a favorite for those who prefer a zestier flavor profile.

Dairy-free and gluten-free options

  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Skip the cheese and opt for dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
  • Load up on fresh veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and nutrients.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Overfilling tortillas: This can cause them to tear during rolling. Stick to a moderate amount of filling.
  • Not warming the tortillas: Cold tortillas are prone to cracking. Always heat them up beforehand.
  • Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the oven to ensure the cheese doesn’t overcook.

How to store leftovers
Chicken enchiladas store wonderfully for future meals.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

FAQs about Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

What ingredients are needed for chicken enchiladas?

Chicken enchiladas typically require shredded chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, and seasonings like cumin and chili powder. You can customize with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient and works perfectly. For a homemade touch, you can also prepare your own enchilada sauce using tomato paste, broth, and spices.

How do I prevent tortillas from becoming soggy?

Lightly fry the tortillas before filling them. This creates a barrier that helps prevent them from soaking up too much sauce.

What type of chicken works best for enchiladas?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded poached chicken, or leftover roasted chicken are all excellent options. Dark meat tends to be juicier, but any cooked chicken will work well.

Can I make chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them until heated through and bubbly.

Are chicken enchiladas freezer-friendly?

Definitely! Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap them securely, and freeze. When needed, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time for cooking.

What side dishes go well with chicken enchiladas?

Popular pairings include Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a fresh green salad. Chips with salsa or guacamole also make great accompaniments.

    Conclusion

    Chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold Mexican flavors to your table. With their tender tortillas, flavorful chicken filling, rich sauce, and melted cheese, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a delicious homemade dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.