Chicken Enchiladas – These savory tortillas stuffed with tender chicken and drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite.
What Are Chicken Enchiladas?
Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish made with tortillas filled with seasoned, shredded chicken, cheese, and often some vegetables. These stuffed tortillas are then smothered in enchilada sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Enchiladas are known for their deep flavors, thanks to the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes in the sauce.
Whether you’re making them with red sauce or green salsa, chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous palates.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Enchiladas
Here are a few expert tips to take your chicken enchiladas to the next level:
Cheese variety: For an extra cheesy and flavorful kick, try mixing different kinds of cheese. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, while sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time and add flavor by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly for enchiladas.
Homemade enchilada sauce: If you have the time, making your own sauce gives the dish an authentic depth of flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match.
Warming tortillas: Warming the tortillas prevents them from breaking when you roll them. You can do this by microwaving them in a damp towel or heating them on a dry skillet.
Delicious Chicken Enchilada Variations
While classic chicken enchiladas are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch things up:
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Substitute the red enchilada sauce with a green tomatillo salsa (also known as salsa verde) for a tangy, zesty twist. This version pairs beautifully with shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
For a creamier enchilada, mix some cream cheese or sour cream into the chicken filling. You can also top the enchiladas with a blend of enchilada sauce and sour cream before baking for a creamy, comforting dish.
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the chicken filling. You can also mix hot sauce or extra chili powder into the enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option
For a meatless option, swap the chicken for black beans, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. These fillings pair wonderfully with either red or green enchilada sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some popular options:
- Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice adds a flavorful, fluffy complement to your enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a rich, savory contrast to the tangy enchiladas.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole offers a cool, creamy balance to the spicy and savory flavors.
- Pico de Gallo: A spoonful of fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and crunch.
For added texture and flavor, serve the enchiladas with sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Enchiladas
Storage:
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), chicken enchiladas store well. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
To freeze enchiladas, assemble them but don’t bake them. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Reheating:
To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought enchilada sauce works just as well. However, making your own can add a fresh, homemade flavor that’s hard to beat.
2. Are corn or flour tortillas better for enchiladas?
Traditionally, corn tortillas are used in enchiladas, offering a slightly heartier texture and more authentic flavor. However, flour tortillas are softer and can be easier to work with. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
3. How do I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy enchiladas, lightly fry or warm the tortillas before filling them. This creates a barrier that prevents them from absorbing too much sauce. Also, avoid overloading them with sauce before baking.
4. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them with sauce, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas - These savory tortillas stuffed with tender chicken and drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided
- Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350ºF.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, ¼ cup of enchilada sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- For corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway to ensure they’re warm and pliable.
- For flour tortillas, simply microwave them on a plate for 1 minute, flipping halfway through.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in a large baking dish.
- Pour the remaining 1 ¾ cup of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the enchiladas hot and garnish with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or cotija cheese.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 645Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 1542mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 8gSugar: 20gProtein: 40g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken enchiladas are the perfect combination of comfort food and bold Mexican flavors. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out some of the exciting variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Remember, enchiladas are all about customization—don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings, sauces, and toppings. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
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