Chicken enchiladas are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and a favorite in homes across the world. This dish not only combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, but it also offers bold flavors and the convenience of being easily prepared at home.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make easy chicken enchiladas using simple ingredients and a step-by-step method that ensures great results every time. Additionally, you can customize it to suit your taste, and it’s perfect for a family dinner or even a make ahead meal. For those who love extra flavor, making your own enchilada sauce can be a game-changer. You can find a recipe for homemade enchilada sauce here.
Whether you’re preparing for a night meal or hosting a someone, easy chicken enchiladas are always a hit. Moreover, they can be modified to suit dietary preferences, and they are an excellent dish for feeding a crowd. In conclusion, this guide covers everything you need to know to make perfect chicken enchiladas every time.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
To create these easy chicken enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (store-bought rotisserie works well)
- 10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup green chiles (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 can black or pinto beans (optional for added texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and sliced avocado for garnish
You can modify these ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also use leftover chicken from another meal. Boiling or roasting chicken breasts and shredding them also works well.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, offering a slightly chewy texture that complements the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute with flour tortillas for a softer wrap.
- Enchilada Sauce: Using homemade sauce can elevate the dish, adding rich, deep flavors. Store-bought sauces also work well, and they come in both red and green varieties, allowing for customization.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a creamy, melty topping. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Oaxaca or a Mexican blend.
- Green Chiles: These add a bit of heat and tanginess, but they are optional if you prefer a milder dish.
- Spices: Cumin and garlic powder enhance the savory flavors of the chicken filling. You can also add chili powder for extra heat.
Pro tip: For gluten-free options, be sure to use gluten-free tortillas. You can find a guide on the best options here.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by shredding your cooked chicken. You can boil chicken breasts, roast them, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Shredding the chicken into fine pieces ensures it mixes well with the other ingredients and fits nicely inside the tortillas.
If you need tips on how to shred chicken quickly, check out this helpful guide here.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with green chiles, beans (if using), cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the chicken. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
This filling is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Corn tortillas can be brittle when cold, which makes them prone to breaking when you try to roll them. To avoid this, lightly warm them before assembling your enchiladas.
- To make the tortillas pliable and prevent them from breaking while rolling, lightly warm them. You can heat them in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or quickly toast them on a hot skillet for 20 seconds per side.
This simple step will make it much easier to work with the tortillas and ensures your enchiladas stay intact.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on your work surface, spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center, and roll the tortilla tightly.
- Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.
Once all the tortillas are filled and rolled, you should have a neatly packed baking dish ready for the next step.
Step 4: Top with Enchilada Sauce and Cheese
The sauce is what makes enchiladas so flavorful. Generously pour your enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is fully coated.
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is fully coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the enchiladas, covering them completely.
You want enough sauce and cheese to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the enchiladas are assembled, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy topping, broil the enchiladas for the last 2 minutes to brown the cheese.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Letting them rest briefly helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
- Serve with rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of toppings and sides that enhance its already rich flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prevent soggy enchiladas: Avoid overstuffing the tortillas or using too much sauce. Moderation is key to achieving a balance of flavors and textures.
- Crispy cheese topping: For a golden, crispy cheese layer, use a broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Best cheeses to use: Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Mexican cheese blends all melt beautifully and offer rich, creamy flavor.
- Freeze for later: Enchiladas freeze well. Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
These tips will help you make the most of your enchiladas and ensure they turn out delicious every time.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
If you love a creamier enchilada, you can replace the red enchilada sauce with a cream-based sauce. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and a splash of chicken broth to create a smooth, creamy topping. Pour over the enchiladas before adding the shredded cheese and baking.
Green Chicken Enchiladas
For a tangier flavor, use green enchilada sauce instead of red. Green chiles and tomatillo-based sauce give the enchiladas a unique and vibrant taste.
This variation adds a fresh, slightly tart flavor to the dish that complements the chicken filling beautifully.
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
To add some heat, mix chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the chicken filling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top of the enchiladas before baking.
Spicy enchiladas are a great option for those who love a bit of kick in their meals. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less heat.
Vegan or Vegetarian Enchiladas
Swap the shredded chicken for black beans, sweet potatoes, or tofu to create a vegetarian version of these enchiladas. Use plant-based cheese alternatives to keep the recipe dairy-free while still enjoying all the great textures.
Vegetarian enchiladas are just as satisfying and flavorful, making them a great option for meatless meals.
Customizing Your Chicken Enchiladas for Extra Flavor and Nutrition
To make these easy chicken enchiladas even more versatile, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a heartier dish, try adding black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers to the chicken filling. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the meal. For a richer taste, consider using a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend, which melt beautifully and provide a creamy texture.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese and use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. Additionally, you can swap the traditional red enchilada sauce for a green sauce made from tomatillos and green chiles, which gives the dish a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. These simple adjustments allow you to make the recipe your own and fits your dietary needs with delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Easy chicken enchiladas pair beautifully with classic Tex-Mex side dishes. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Mexican rice or Spanish rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Simple side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo
- Corn on the cob or elote (Mexican street corn)
- Chips and salsa or queso dip
These sides complement the rich flavors of the enchiladas and create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutritional Information About Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
For those keeping track of their macros or looking for healthier options, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 2 enchiladas per serving):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g (depending on the cheese and sauce)
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
You can reduce the calorie and fat content by using low-fat cheese, opting for grilled chicken, or cutting back on the amount of sauce and cheese.
If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider using whole wheat tortillas or cutting back on the cheese. You can also substitute low-fat or dairy-free cheese for a lighter option.
FAQs About Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and makes the process even easier. Simply shred the chicken, season it, and you’re ready to go.
How do I prevent tortillas from breaking when rolling?
Warming the tortillas beforehand helps make them more pliable and prevents them from cracking while rolling. Either microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel or lightly toast them on a skillet.
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas for later?
Yes, chicken enchiladas freeze very well. Prepare and assemble the enchiladas without baking them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?
Reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, which can happen when reheating in the microwave.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas work just as well and may even be preferred by some for their softer texture. However, traditional enchiladas are made with corn tortillas, which add a slightly chewy, authentic texture.
How long can I store leftover enchiladas in the fridge?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
These easy chicken enchiladas are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or even serving them for a gathering, this recipe is not only simple but also quick and endlessly customizable. In fact, you can easily modify it to create creamy chicken enchiladas, spicier versions, or even vegan alternatives, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Moreover, enchiladas offer the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and spicy goodness. As a result, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Additionally, this dish allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Your family and friends will surely love this comforting and flavorful meal. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!