These Chicken Enchiladas Recipe make for a delightful and comforting dinner that your family will love. With juicy chicken breast, homemade enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, this dish is perfect for weeknight meals, gatherings, or cozy dinners at home. The unique combination of flavors makes these enchiladas stand out as a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade enchilada sauce is rich and spicy, elevating the dish to new heights.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily alter the fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: These enchiladas store well and are even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prepping.
- Feeds a Crowd: With six servings, this recipe is great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for your enchilada sauce.
- Baking dish: Perfect for assembling your enchiladas and ensuring even cooking in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce from chipotles
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp white granulated sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (more or less per taste)
For the Filling
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
- salt
For Assembling
- 6 soft flour tortillas
- 10 oz shredded Mexican cheese mix
How to Make Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt. In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of canola oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides. This should take about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool before shredding.
Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce
In the same skillet, add more canola oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add crushed garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in diced tomatoes, chicken stock, chipotle pepper with adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take each tortilla and fill it with shredded chicken and cheese. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
Step 4: Bake Your Enchiladas
Once assembled, pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Enchiladas!
How to Serve Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Serving chicken enchiladas is a delightful experience that allows you to customize your meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy sour cream adds richness and tanginess.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the spicy enchiladas perfectly.
Accompanying Sides
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs well with enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and heartiness to the meal.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch.
Garnishes
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors of the dish.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like extra heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce.
How to Perfect Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
To achieve the best chicken enchiladas, follow these handy tips. They will help you create a dish that your family will love.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the overall flavor.
- Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Make Extra Sauce: Having additional sauce on hand keeps your enchiladas moist and flavorful.
- Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Fill them just enough to roll easily without spilling ingredients out.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your enchiladas while baking for a perfect golden cheese topping.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your chicken enchiladas can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Guacamole: This creamy dip made from avocados adds richness and balances the spices in the enchiladas.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to each bite.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, and spices is a deliciously sweet side.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or snack before dinner.
- Zucchini Fritters: These crispy fritters are a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with greens, tomatoes, and avocado provides freshness alongside rich enchiladas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Enchiladas can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Skipping the sauce: Failing to make or use enough enchilada sauce can lead to dry enchiladas. Always ensure you have a generous layer of sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
Overfilling tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Use just the right amount of chicken and cheese for easy rolling.
Not seasoning properly: Underseasoned chicken can result in bland enchiladas. Taste your filling before assembling and adjust the spices as needed.
Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to tear when rolled. Warm them up briefly in a skillet or microwave before filling.
Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can dry out your enchiladas, while underbaking may leave them soggy. Follow the recommended baking times for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep extra sauce separately if desired.
Freezing Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, covered, until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Enchiladas:
How do I make Chicken Enchiladas Recipe healthier?
You can use whole wheat tortillas and reduce cheese for a lighter option. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach can also boost nutrition.
Can I use leftover chicken for this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and mix with your favorite spices before rolling it into the tortillas.
What toppings go well with Chicken Enchiladas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Customize based on your preferences!
Can I make this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. Just adjust baking times if they are cold from the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a family favorite that combines comfort with mouthwatering flavors. It’s versatile enough to customize with your choice of ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, a delightful dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, a rich homemade enchilada sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these enchiladas are not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit any palate. With layers of flavor and the option to make them ahead of time, they are sure to become a household favorite. Serve them hot from the oven with your choice of fresh toppings for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 soft flour tortillas
- 10 oz shredded Mexican cheese mix
- Homemade enchilada sauce (includes onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, spices)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides (about 6–7 minutes per side). Let cool and shred.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour and then whisk in diced tomatoes, chicken stock, chipotle pepper, and spices. Simmer until thickened.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread sauce in a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and cheese; roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
