Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Preparation Time
- Nutrition
- Instructions
- Tips and Variations
- FAQ
- Reflection Questions
- Conclusion
Easy Chicken Enchiladas: Quick, Flavorful Mexican Dinner Delight
# Easy Chicken Enchiladas for Quick, Comforting Meals
If you’re craving a delicious Mexican dinner that’s quick and satisfying, these Easy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect solution. Packed with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, then topped with rich red enchilada sauce, this recipe is a family favorite that can be ready in just 30 minutes. As an experienced home cook specializing in Mexican dishes, I’ve found this recipe to be a reliable go-to, especially on busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss.
I remember the first time I rushed through the sauce, it lacked the depth I wanted. That experience taught me to savor the simple steps and adjust seasoning as I go. What’s your biggest cooking challenge when preparing Mexican meals? Let’s dive into this easy chicken enchilada recipe that I promise will become your new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups easy enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 corn or flour tortillas (see note if using flour tortillas)
- 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 371 kcal
- Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning.
- If using corn tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway through, until warm and pliable. For flour tortillas: microwave similarly on a plate for 1 minute, flipping halfway through.
- Spoon an even amount of the chicken mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam side down in a large baking dish.
- Pour the remaining 1 ¾ cups of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or cotija cheese as desired.
Tips and Variations
When making this easy chicken enchilada recipe, feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces. For a lighter touch, try using low-fat cheese or serve with a fresh side salad. If you prefer white chicken enchiladas, swap the red enchilada sauce for a creamy white sauce. Green chicken enchiladas are a delicious alternative using green chili sauce instead of red. Remember, seasoning is key; tasting the chicken mixture before assembling can make a big difference in flavor. Reflect: How do you adjust recipes to fit your family’s taste preferences? These variations ensure this chicken enchilada casserole suits everyone’s palate.
FAQ
How do you make chicken enchiladas?
To make chicken enchiladas, mix shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, fill warmed tortillas with the mixture and cheese, roll, top with sauce and cheese, then bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes.
What ingredients are used for chicken enchiladas?
Chicken enchiladas typically include shredded cooked chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce (red or green), cheese, and optional toppings like onions, cilantro, sour cream, and cotija cheese.
How long to bake chicken enchiladas?
Bake chicken enchiladas uncovered at 350ºF for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Do I cover enchiladas while baking?
It’s best to bake uncovered so the cheese melts and gets bubbly; covering may result in softer texture.
What to serve with chicken enchiladas?
Serve chicken enchiladas with sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh salad, or guacamole.
What is a lazy enchilada?
A lazy enchilada is a casserole-style enchilada dish where the ingredients are layered and baked without rolling individual tortillas.
What is the whole enchilada slang?
The phrase ‘the whole enchilada’ means the entire thing or the whole deal in slang.
Can I make enchiladas without frying tortillas?
Yes, you can bake enchiladas without frying tortillas by warming them in a damp cloth or microwave to make them pliable before filling.
Reflection Questions
- What’s one cooking habit you’d like to improve?
- How do you personalize recipes to your taste?
- When did you last try a new cooking technique?
Conclusion
These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are a quick, flavorful Mexican dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Filled with shredded chicken and cheese and topped with rich enchilada sauce, this dish hits all the comforting notes. Try this recipe tonight, share your results on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes. As an experienced home cook, I’m confident this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen too!
Mind map
1) Gather ingredients → 2) Prep chicken mixture → 3) Warm tortillas → 4) Assemble enchiladas → 5) Add sauce and cheese → 6) Bake and garnish → 7) Serve and enjoy
