Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas offer a comforting blend of flavors wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with bubbling cheese and zesty sauce. This dish not only pleases the palate but also fills the home with enticing aromas that invite everyone to the table. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, chicken enchiladas are a classic that everyone loves.

Why Make This Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Choosing to make chicken enchiladas at home means delighting your family and friends with a dish that’s rich in flavor while being simple to prepare. Using rotisserie chicken saves time, giving you more moments to enjoy with loved ones. The combination of savory spices and creamy cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Plus, enchiladas are versatile; you can easily adjust spice levels to cater to different tastes, making them perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Crafting the perfect chicken enchiladas is an enjoyable process. Here are the steps that lead you to this culinary delight, promising a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
• 1 can Red enchilada sauce (10 oz) (Adds a zesty kick; choose mild or spicy based on preference.)
• 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.)
• 8 pieces Flour tortillas (Soft and pliable for easy rolling.)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (Used for sautéing onions and garlic.)
• 1 small Onion, chopped (Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin (Adds warmth and earthiness.)
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder (Gives a nice kick and enhances flavor.)
• to taste Salt and pepper (Helps balance the flavors.)
• for garnish Chopped cilantro (Adds a pop of color and freshness.)
• for serving Sour cream (Adds creaminess and tang.)

Directions:

1. Prepare the chicken by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred it using two forks or your hands.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour a small amount of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Take a flour tortilla, place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 enchiladas):

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 25g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.)

How to Serve Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Serve your delicious chicken enchiladas hot, fresh out of the oven, with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. For an extra kick, offer additional hot sauce on the side. These enchiladas also make a great dish for taco nights or casual family dinners.

How to Store Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, cover them with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze cooked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to keep them fresh.

Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

• For an extra flavor boost, marinate your chicken in lime juice and Mexican spices before cooking.
• Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for different flavors.
• If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, opt for corn tortillas instead of flour.
• For added richness, try blending some cream cheese into your chicken mixture.
• Assemble your enchiladas ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making entertaining easy!

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Mix diced jalapeños into the filling or choose a spicier red enchilada sauce.
• Cheesy White Enchiladas: Use a white cheese sauce instead of red sauce for a creamy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork can be delicious substitutes for the chicken. Just make sure to season them well.

2. How do I make enchiladas ahead of time?
You can prepare the enchiladas and assemble them in your baking dish. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

3. What can I serve with enchiladas?
Enchiladas pair beautifully with traditional sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh garden salad topped with avocado.

4. Can I freeze enchiladas?
Yes! After baking (or before baking), allow them to cool completely. Then wrap them tightly and freeze. They can be reheated directly from the freezer.

5. What’s the best way to prevent my tortillas from tearing?
Lightly sautéing the tortillas in oil before filling them can make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.

6. How do I make enchiladas less spicy?
Choose a mild red enchilada sauce, and skip the chili powder in the filling. You can also include more cheese to balance the flavors.

7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even corn can add great flavor and nutrition to your enchiladas.

8. How can I make them more cheesy?
Add extra cheese in the filling and on top before baking. You can also drizzle some cheese sauce over them right before serving.

9. What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can make a quick homemade enchilada sauce using tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.

10. How do I know when my enchiladas are done?
They should be hot throughout, the cheese melted, and the top golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

Making delicious chicken enchiladas at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a dish that bursts with flavor and comfort. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, these enchiladas are sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, and get cooking! Share your creations and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear how they turn out!

Chicken Enchiladas

Delicious chicken enchiladas wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with bubbling cheese and zesty sauce, offering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
• 1 can Red enchilada sauce (10 oz) Adds a zesty kick; choose mild or spicy based on preference.
• 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
• 8 pieces Flour tortillas Soft and pliable for easy rolling.

For Sautéing

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil Used for sautéing onions and garlic.
• 1 small Onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder Gives a nice kick and enhances flavor.
• to taste Salt and pepper Helps balance the flavors.

For Garnish & Serving

• for garnish Chopped cilantro Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• for serving Sour cream Adds creaminess and tang.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Prepare the chicken by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred it using two forks or your hands.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Assembling

1. Pour a small amount of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Take a flour tortilla, place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
3. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
3. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Notes

For best results, marinate your chicken in lime juice and Mexican spices before cooking. You can also assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them just before serving.