What is comfort food? What is better than a warm, cheesy casserole?What are some good chicken enchiI am craving something savory and satisfying. This is my go-to snack. Is it like a warm hug in the pan? If you love lasagna, but want something a little quicker, and less expensive, then this is it. If you’re going to flip for these chicken enchiladas, then you are absolutely gonna flip. Is this one a winner?
What is chicken enchiladas?
What exactly are chicken enchiladas? What are corn tortillas? They’re basically tortilla chips that are filled with shredded chicken. What filling do you prefer? ), cheese, and then smothered in a tangy enchilada sauce. What’s the best part about a rolled up taco? They are incredibly versatile. What are some ways to customize the filling with veggies? Is it possible to substitute chicken for beef? I’ve made a vegetarian version with sweet potatoes and black beans, and it was delicious! They’re really a canvas for flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this movie?What are some good chicken enchiWhat are some of my favorite songs?
• Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the combination of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and that spicy, slightly spicy enchilada sauce? Is just a kiss? What is that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and just a hint of heat that keeps you coming back for more?
• SurprisinglyDon’t let the layers fool you. What is a good rotisserie chicken recipe? What’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast?
• Budget friendlyChicken, tortillas, cheese… These are all pretty common pantry staples. You can easily adapt the recipe. What are some good recipes to use whatever you have on hand? I often use leftover chicken from Sunday dinner to make it even more economical.
• Totally customizable:As I mentioned before, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or even play around with different cheeses and sauces. I usually throw in a few bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture. It is so good!
What I love about this compared to similar recipes is that it’s all about maximizing flavor. How do I reduce my effort? No fancy ingredients, just pure comfort food. If you like my creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe, you will love this!
How do you make chicken enchiladas?
Quick Overview
What is the best recipe for layering flavor? How do you make a simple chicken filling with spices and cheese? If you roll it up in tortillas, smother it in enchilada sauce, and bake it until it’s bubbly. Is it possible to get a Why don’t you skimp on cheese? Don’t be afraid to get messy – that’s part of the fun!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for chicken filling?
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is your friend here!)
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel), undrained.
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchiladas:
• 10-12 corn tortillas
• 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce (I prefer red, but green works too!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
What is the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and green chiles, softened cream, and salt. Serve immediately. Cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This step is super important for even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
This step is key! Briefly warm the tortillas to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when you roll them. Can you do this in the microwave (about 20 seconds), on a dry skillet (a few seconds per side), or both? Even by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them. My grandma always used the skillet method, so I tend to do that. What is the best microwave?
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do you keep tortillas from sticking? If you have a tortilla, spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling onto it and roll it up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
How do you spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of a fried egg? What is the best way to serve a sandwich with cheddar cheese?
Step 6: Bake
Is it safe to bake cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes? Are enchiladas heated through? Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I handle a cigarette and prevent it from burning your mouth? What’s your favorite topping? Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro or green onions.
What should I serve it with?
Chicken enchiladas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right side dishes.
• For a fiesta: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side of guacamole and chips. This is my go-to for a casual get-together with friends.
• For a lighter meal: Pair with a simple salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. This is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful but not too heavy.
• For a potluck: Bring a batch of these enchiladas to your next potluck – they’re always a hit! Just make sure to keep them warm in a slow cooker or warming tray.
My family loves to add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh salsa. It just adds that extra layer of flavor and texture that takes it over the top.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Enchiladas
After making this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make them even more delicious.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas: This is a common mistake! If you overfill the tortillas, they’ll be more likely to tear and the filling will spill out. A good rule of thumb is about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla.
• Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is a key component of this recipe, so it’s worth splurging on a good quality cheddar. It will melt better and have a richer flavor. I also find that freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken filling. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild enchilada sauce and omit the cayenne pepper. My husband likes his super spicy, so I always add a little extra heat to his portion.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fillings. Try adding black beans, corn, bell peppers, or even cooked vegetables like zucchini or squash.
• Let the enchiladas rest before serving: As I mentioned before, it’s important to let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set up a bit and prevent them from being too messy.
I’ve also found that using a good quality enchilada sauce makes a huge difference. Some of the store-bought sauces can be a little bland, so I often add a teaspoon of chili powder and a pinch of cumin to give it a little extra kick. I also have added my own homemade enchilada sauce!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These chicken enchiladas are great for meal prepping or making ahead of time.
• Room Temperature: Don’t leave them at room temperature for longer than two hours.
• Refrigerator Storage: To store them in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer Instructions: To freeze the enchiladas, let them cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the enchiladas, it’s best to add the cheese topping after thawing them, just before baking. This will prevent the cheese from becoming dry and crumbly.
To reheat the enchiladas, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, combined with its incredible flavor and adaptability, makes it a staple in my kitchen. If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress, look no further. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried!
Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 15 oz canned corn drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 count corn tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, and corn.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll up.
- Place enchiladas in a baking dish, seam-side down.
- Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
