The Best Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting delightful chicken enchiladas sparks joy in every kitchen adventure.

Soft tortillas embrace a hearty filling that promises comfort and flavor.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Mexican-inspired cuisine doesn’t require complicated techniques or rare ingredients.

Layers of cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a memorable dining experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

How to Store Chicken Enchiladas for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover chicken enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
• Freeze enchiladas for up to 2 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect for quick and easy shredding, providing tender and flavorful meat with minimal preparation.

• Can I make these enchiladas spicy?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce to increase heat levels according to your preference.

• Is it possible to prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal prep convenient.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from becoming soggy?

Lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before filling and rolling to create a barrier that helps prevent excess moisture absorption.

Chicken Enchiladas That Bring the Fiesta Home

• Streamline Dinner Prep: Grab pre-shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking steps and save precious kitchen time.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar flavors that kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily swap ingredients like using different protein options or adding extra veggies to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks with simple steps and basic ingredients that guarantee a delicious result without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Shredded and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the enchiladas.
• Tortillas: Soft flour or corn wraps that hold the chicken filling and create the enchilada structure.
• Enchilada Sauce: A flavorful red sauce that provides moisture and authentic Mexican taste to the dish.
• Cheese: Shredded melting cheese that adds richness and creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and creamy condiment that add a cool, bright finish to the enchiladas.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and dish.

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Goodness

Grab a mixing bowl and combine shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, creating a flavor-packed filling that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a saucy foundation for your enchiladas.

Step 4: Roll Up the Flavor

Lay out your tortillas and load them up with the chicken mixture.

Sprinkle some cheese, then roll them tightly like a delicious burrito, placing them seam-side down in the dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Shower

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, making sure every inch gets some love.

Top with a blanket of shredded cheese that’ll melt into cheesy perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Once out of the oven, add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness that’ll make these enchiladas absolutely irresistible.

Tips for Tasty, Tender Chicken Enchiladas

• Swap chicken for black beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and packed with protein.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and warm them briefly before filling to prevent cracking.
• Control spice levels by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences.
• Prepare enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps flavors meld and makes weeknight dinners easier.
• Add extra flavor by mixing some diced green chiles or jalapeños into the chicken filling for a zesty kick.

Exciting Twists for Chicken Enchiladas to Try

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, or plant-based protein crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to increase heat and flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips as a wrapper, using cauliflower rice as a side to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Enchiladas

• Family Fiesta Night: Create a vibrant Mexican-themed dinner experience with these enchiladas as the star, serving alongside colorful rice, black beans, and fresh salsa for a complete meal celebration.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Transform leftover enchiladas into a delicious next-day meal by chopping them up and creating a hearty chicken enchilada bowl with extra toppings like avocado and jalapeños.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut enchiladas into smaller bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Top the baked enchiladas with crisp chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of Mexican crema to add extra texture and brightness to the dish.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken enchiladas bring savory comfort to dinner tables across North America. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Main Ingredients:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish with a light coating of enchilada sauce.
2. Mix shredded chicken with a portion of enchilada sauce, creating a flavorful filling.
3. Lay tortillas flat and distribute the chicken mixture evenly, sprinkling cheese across each tortilla.
4. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Generously scatter additional cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle.
9. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

• Swap out chicken for black beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious and protein-packed.
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative that adds extra nutritional value and a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Prep the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to save time and let the flavors meld together more intensely.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or a Mexican blend to add unexpected depth and kick to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg