Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner: The Ultimate Cheesy Mexican Enchiladas 🍽️🧀🌶️
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious chicken enchiladas recipe that guarantees a flavorful and satisfying dinner, look no further! These easy Mexican enchiladas are packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, they are a guaranteed hit with family and friends. This cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe combines authentic flavors with simple steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
2. Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 10 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for serving
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Preparation of Chicken Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in cumin and chili powder, then add shredded chicken. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Chicken Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the dish. Warm the tortillas slightly to make rolling easier. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
Baking the Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a golden top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream and sliced jalapeños.
4. Storage Tips for Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Leftover cheesy chicken enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
5. Serving Suggestions for Chicken Enchiladas
For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve your easy Mexican enchiladas with side dishes like homemade soft pretzels, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad. To add a crunchy element, sprinkle some toasted tortilla strips on top. Enhance the flavor with a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and extra cilantro for garnish. For beverage pairing, consider a chilled Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to enjoy refreshing drinks alongside your meal.
6. Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts for a homemade touch. Warming the tortillas helps prevent tearing when rolling. Adjust the amount of enchilada sauce and cheese to suit your taste—more for extra cheesiness! For a smokier flavor, add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also customize this cheesy chicken enchiladas by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or cooked beans.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Can I make cheesey chicken enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
What is the best cheese for chicken enchiladas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese provides the best flavor and melts beautifully for cheesy chicken enchiladas. Combining different cheeses can enhance the taste.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Making your own enchilada sauce at home elevates this chicken enchiladas recipe with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
8. Conclusion
Enjoy this delicious chicken enchiladas recipe as a hearty dinner that combines cheesy goodness with authentic Mexican flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at your next dinner party, these easy Mexican enchiladas are sure to delight everyone at the table. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and versatile options, this cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe is a timeless classic that you will want to make again and again.
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Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 enchiladas 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Description
Discover the ultimate Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner that combines tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and savory enchilada sauce for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, these easy enchiladas are flavorful, cheesy, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 10 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in cumin and chili powder, then add shredded chicken. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the dish. Warm the tortillas slightly to make rolling easier. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a golden top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream and sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or cook your own for a homemade touch.
- Warming tortillas before rolling prevents tearing and makes assembly easier.
- Adjust enchilada sauce and cheese quantities for more cheesiness or preferred flavor.
- Add diced chipotle peppers for a smoky twist or sautéed vegetables for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 330 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
