Introduction

Chicken enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines shredded chicken, delicious spices, and a rich sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to bring the essence of traditional enchiladas to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these chicken enchiladas are sure to be a hit!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Tortillas: 8 medium-sized corn or flour tortillas
Enchilada sauce: 2 cups of your favorite sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Onion: 1 small onion, diced
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for garnish
Salt: To taste
Pepper: To taste

Prep Time

The prep time for making these chicken enchiladas is approximately 15 minutes. This includes the time to cook and shred the chicken if not already prepared, as well as gathering all the ingredients and preheating the oven.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time is around 25 minutes. When you combine the prep and cook time, the total time to prepare this dish is about 40 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it a perfect meal for a small family or a gathering with friends. Enjoy delicious, homemade chicken enchiladas that everyone will love!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Chicken

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Shred the chicken and set it aside.

Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, and one cup of cheese. Add taco seasoning and mix until well incorporated.

Prepare the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

Repeat Filling and Assembling

Continue filling and rolling the tortillas until all the filling is used. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake the Enchiladas

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.

Notes

Storage

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

Customization

Feel free to customize the filling with your choice of vegetables or different proteins like beef or beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Shredding Chicken

Shred cooked chicken using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for a quick and easy option.

Making Enchilada Sauce

Prepare the enchilada sauce by combining chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder with tomato sauce to enhance the flavor.

Filling Enchiladas

Place the chicken mixture in the center of a tortilla and roll it tightly for even filling and easy handling.

Baking Enchiladas

Bake enchiladas in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly to achieve a deliciously crispy topping.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken can be used to save time on cooking chicken.

What toppings can I add?

Feel free to add toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, or avocado for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover enchiladas?

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze enchiladas before or after baking. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What type of tortillas work best?

Corn or flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas.

Conclusion

The chicken enchiladas recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it can easily become a family favorite. Additionally, this dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, making it a great choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Beef Enchiladas

Try substituting chicken with seasoned ground beef for a different take on classic enchiladas.

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Use black beans, corn, and a variety of vegetables instead of meat for a healthy, plant-based option.

Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas

Incorporate spinach and a mix of cheeses for a creamy and delicious vegetarian alternative.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Add green chiles to the chicken filling for an extra kick of flavor and spice.

Breakfast Enchiladas

Transform this dish into a breakfast option by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage.

Enchilada Casserole

Layer tortillas with chicken and sauce in a baking dish for an easy, casserole-style meal.

Quinoa Enchiladas

Replace chicken with cooked quinoa and add your favorite vegetables for a nutritious, protein-packed dish.