Irresistibly Zesty Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Your Fiesta

Tucked away in the heart of mexican cuisine, this chicken enchiladas recipe brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

Comfort meets tradition in every cheesy, sauce-covered bite.

Tender shredded chicken nestles between soft tortillas, creating a mouthwatering melody of spices and textures.

Layers of rich, warm sauce blanket each enchilada with genuine southwestern charm.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, promising a meal that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Chicken Enchiladas – Packed with Mexican-Inspired Flavor

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: These chicken enchiladas bring everyone together with their delicious, comforting flavors that satisfy both kids and adults.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this recipe transforms a busy evening into a stress-free meal that feels like a culinary victory.
• Master Quick Customization: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit individual tastes, making this dish perfect for flexible family dining and personal preferences.
• Zero Complicated Techniques: No advanced cooking skills required – even beginner cooks can confidently create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes impressive.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for these delicious enchiladas.

• Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken mixture.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright, fresh flavor to the enchilada filling.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the chicken filling and create the classic enchilada shape.
• Enchilada Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce that provides moisture and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, rich texture to the enchiladas.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy accompaniment served on the side.

• Onions, Olive Oil: Create a flavorful base for the chicken mixture.
• Cilantro: A fresh, bright herb that provides a final flavor accent to the dish.

Chicken Enchilada Assembly and Baking Directions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Onions

Drizzle olive oil into a pan and dance those onions around until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients become best friends.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Spread a thin, silky layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 5: Roll Up The Deliciousness

• Chicken mixture
• Sprinkle of cheese

Roll them up like cozy little flavor blankets and nestle them seam-side down in the dish.

Step 6: Sauce And Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and crown them with a generous cheese shower.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Send the dish into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden wonderland.

Step 8: Dress And Serve

Shower with fresh cilantro and offer a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your flavor fiesta!

Chicken Enchilada Tips for Cheesy, Flavorful Results

• Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent breaking and improve rollability.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to the chicken mixture for extra richness and moisture.
• Adjust green chili amount or use mild chilies for a kid-friendly version.
• Grate fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more even melting.
• Assemble enchiladas ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Enchilada Filling and Topping Variations to Explore

• Turkey Enchiladas: Replace chicken with shredded turkey for a leaner protein option with similar flavors and texture.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap chicken for black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or quinoa to create a plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's spicy profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly while preserving the authentic enchilada taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips, creating a lighter meal that keeps the enchilada's core seasoning and filling intact.

Serving Chicken Enchiladas Hot with Sides

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Top enchiladas with fresh pico de gallo, adding bright tomato and onion crunch that cuts through the rich cheese and chicken.
• Hearty Companion Side: Serve with Mexican-style rice studded with corn and black beans, creating a complete and satisfying meal that balances protein and grains.
• Cool Contrast Topping: Add sliced avocado or a dollop of cool guacamole alongside the sour cream, bringing creamy texture and fresh green notes to each bite.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Offer hot sauce or chopped jalapeños on the side, letting diners customize their heat level and enhance the enchiladas' bold southwestern flavors.

Storing Chicken Enchiladas for Future Meals

• Transfer leftover enchiladas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shredded beef, turkey, or pulled pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The green chilies provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot chilies based on your preference.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking.

• What if I can't find enchilada sauce?

You can easily make a quick homemade sauce using tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic, or use store-bought salsa as an alternative.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken enchiladas deliver comfort wrapped in golden tortillas, packed with zesty spices and melted cheese. Hearty flavors dance through each bite, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious morsel.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Filling and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of enchilada sauce.
2. Sizzle onions in olive oil until translucent and softened over medium heat.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken with green chilies, seasoning the mixture with cumin, salt, and pepper, blending flavors thoroughly.
4. Lay tortillas flat, generously distribute the spiced chicken mixture across each, and sprinkle cheese evenly.
5. Carefully roll each tortilla, tucking in the edges, and position them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Lavishly scatter the remaining cheese over the top, creating a rich, melty surface.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant finish.
10. Serve immediately with a dollop of cool sour cream on the side.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free versions to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, protein-packed topping that adds tangy richness.
• Try different protein options like shredded turkey, black beans, or pulled pork for variety and dietary preferences.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight meal assembly quick and stress-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg