Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Craving a comforting Tex-Mex meal that’s easy to whip up and full of flavor? Look no further than Chicken Enchiladas. With tender shredded chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and rich red enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a make-ahead freezer meal, these enchiladas are sure to please.

Why This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Is the Best

This recipe stands out for several reasons.

First, it’s quick and convenient. By using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, you can save a significant amount of prep time. Additionally, store-bought red enchilada sauce keeps things simple while still delivering great flavor.

Second, the dish is packed with flavor. Aromatics like garlic and onion, combined with chili powder and cumin, ensure every bite is deliciously seasoned. If you prefer a spicier version, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste.

Finally, these enchiladas are family-friendly and freezer-ready. Because they’re mildly spiced, even picky eaters will enjoy them. Moreover, they make excellent meal-prep options, as they reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchiladas

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce or homemade version
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 medium flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado

Ingredient Tips

If you’re out of Monterey Jack cheese, don’t worry. You can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend. Flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe because of their soft texture. However, if you prefer a more traditional take, corn tortillas can also be used with a few adjustments (see tips below).

For a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken with black beans, sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, or a combination of both.

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect chicken enchiladas:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the enchiladas.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Next, add the onion and garlic, cooking them until softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavors for the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet. Then, stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is heated through and evenly coated with the seasonings.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

• Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking.
• Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them tightly.
• Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared dish.

5. Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Additionally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top for a melty, cheesy finish.

6. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

7. Serve

Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream or other toppings of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas

To achieve the best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overfill the tortillas. A heaping tablespoon of filling per tortilla works best for easy rolling.
• If your tortillas crack during rolling, warm them in the microwave or lightly fry them in oil to make them more pliable.
• For added variety, include black beans, corn, or diced green chiles in the filling. These ingredients provide extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your enchiladas with classic Tex-Mex sides such as Mexican rice or refried beans. Fresh guacamole or diced avocado makes an excellent topping as well.

If you’re planning a themed dinner, consider finishing with a sweet tres leches cake for dessert.

Can You Freeze Chicken Enchiladas?

Yes, these enchiladas freeze exceptionally well.

If you’d like to prepare them in advance, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish without baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dish from the freezer and bake at 375°F for an additional 10-15 minutes.

For baked leftovers, let the enchiladas cool completely before freezing. Store them in airtight containers, and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs About Chicken Enchiladas

Related Recipes

• Chicken Fillet
• Why Do Mexicans Eat Enchiladas?
• Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Let’s Make It Together

If you try this recipe, please share your feedback below or tag us on Pinterest. Don’t forget to Pin it for later to satisfy your next Tex-Mex craving.

Explore our collection of family-friendly recipes for more inspiration!

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