Sizzling Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Tucking savory chicken enchiladas into a warm tortilla creates pure comfort food magic.

Layers of melted cheese and tender meat promise a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Authentic Mexican flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Spices and fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing classic.

Simple techniques make crafting these enchiladas surprisingly straightforward for home cooks.

Colorful and inviting, this dish brings excitement to any dinner table.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right now.

Chicken Enchiladas Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key ingredients for the perfect enchiladas?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, tortillas, enchilada sauce, sour cream, chicken broth, onions, garlic, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finishing touch.

• How do I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy?

Briefly warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to enhance their flexibility. Also, ensure your chicken mixture isn’t too wet and drain any excess liquid before assembling.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the heat by modifying the number of jalapeños. Remove seeds for a milder version or add extra jalapeños for more kick. You can also substitute with different pepper varieties.

What Makes Chicken Enchiladas So Tasty

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table.
• Master Flavor Layering: Build complex taste profiles by sautéing vegetables and creating a creamy sauce that elevates classic chicken enchiladas to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a spicy, cheesy dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra toppings to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients Checklist

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat provides the main protein base for the enchiladas.

• Onions, Garlic, Jalapeños: Fresh vegetables add depth and spicy flavor to the filling.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb provides a bright, final garnish for the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: Classic Mexican-style sauce gives the signature enchilada flavor.
• Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping adds richness and a golden finish to the dish.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas serve as the wrap for the chicken filling.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

How To Make Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Remove chicken from heat and let cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Jalapeños

Sauté until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Create Flavor Mixture

Combine shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly to create a delicious filling.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Prepare Tortillas

Warm tortillas briefly to increase flexibility and make rolling easier.

Step 8: Fill And Roll Enchiladas

Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll tightly.

Step 9: Arrange In Baking Dish

Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 10: Add Creamy Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.

Step 11: Top With Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top of the enchiladas.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges look slightly crispy.

Step 13: Garnish And Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips For Chicken Enchiladas

• Control the Heat: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on spice preference – remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for richer, more complex melting cheese profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Shred chicken and prepare sauce in advance for quicker assembly during busy weeknights.
• Dietary Flexibility: Substitute corn tortillas for gluten-free option and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter version.

Creative Twists On Chicken Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a hearty plant-based version.
• Seafood Enchilada Swap: Use shredded crab, shrimp, or white fish instead of chicken for a coastal-inspired protein option.
• Low-Carb Wrap Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas for a lighter, keto-friendly approach.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk instead of sour cream, cashew cheese for topping, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant preferences.

What To Serve With Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the enchiladas' spicy kick with a classic lime margarita, balancing the rich flavors and cutting through the creamy sauce.
• Create a Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Choose a Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to provide a light, clean counterpoint to the hearty enchiladas, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Serve with Tangy Guacamole: Whip up a creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, red onion, and lime juice to add a cool, smooth element that complements the enchiladas' warmth.

Chicken Enchiladas Storage Instructions

• Transfer leftover enchiladas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy later.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining their original delicious taste.
• Reheat individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chicken Enchiladas bring Mexican comfort to dinner tables with rich, spicy layers of shredded chicken and melted cheese. Hearty corn tortillas wrapped around tender meat create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 8 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Garnish and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked and golden, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from heat and let cool slightly before shredding using two forks into tender, bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and jalapeños until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables, creating a flavorful filling mixture.
6. Whisk enchilada sauce, sour cream, and chicken broth in a separate bowl to create a creamy sauce.
7. Warm tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility, then fill each with chicken mixture and roll tightly.
8. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
9. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top.
11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are slightly crispy.
12. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using mild green chiles for sensitive palates.
• Swap chicken with shredded turkey or plant-based protein like jackfruit for diverse dietary needs.
• Ensure tortillas are fresh and warmed slightly to prevent cracking during rolling and maintain soft texture.
• Consider using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier sauce alternatives without compromising flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg