Easy Chicken Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity, you’ve landed in the right place! Easy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. They come together in a flash, and you can customize them to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen pro. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are not just quick to prepare, but they also deliver on taste. The creamy filling, combined with the zesty red enchilada sauce, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, which means you can whip them up on a busy evening and simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The versatility of ingredients allows you to use what you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces green chilies (1 small can)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8-10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
- 15 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 can)
- 1 cup Mexican blend (or cheddar cheese, shredded)
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ cup tomatoes (finely chopped)
Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl – for combining your filling ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect for holding all those delicious enchiladas.
- Spatula – to help spread the filling and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key for a delicious outcome.
- Oven – of course, you’ll need this to bake your enchiladas to perfection!
Cook Easy Chicken Enchiladas Like This
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin, Monterey Jack cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining red enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese generously over the sauce.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and chopped tomatoes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Easy Chicken Enchiladas!
Seasonal Serving Ideas
- Top with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for a fresh touch.
- Serve alongside a side of Mexican street corn for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
- During the cooler months, serve with a warm tortilla soup for a comforting duo.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For a little extra spice, add jalapeños to the filling or top the enchiladas with sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Feel free to use leftover turkey or beef if you don’t have chicken on hand; the recipe adapts beautifully!
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Make sure your tortillas are warmed slightly before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
You can prepare these Easy Chicken Enchiladas in advance! Simply assemble the enchiladas, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They also freeze well! Just wrap each enchilada tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Easy Chicken Enchiladas Q&A
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese. Cheddar or pepper jack can add a different flavor profile, so choose what your taste buds love!
Are these enchiladas spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for mild green chilies and avoid adding jalapeños. For more heat, consider using spicy enchilada sauce.
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with enchiladas?
Enchiladas pair well with a variety of sides such as rice, beans, guacamole, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun appetizer!
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Ready to Cook?
You are now equipped with an amazing recipe for Easy Chicken Enchiladas that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its creamy filling, tangy sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is destined to become a favorite. Grab your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings everyone together. Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your OvenPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Step 2: Prepare the FillingIn a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin, Monterey Jack cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 3: Assemble the EnchiladasSpread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 4: Top with Sauce and CheeseOnce all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining red enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese generously over the sauce.
- Step 5: BakeCover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Garnish and ServeOnce out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and chopped tomatoes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Easy Chicken Enchiladas!
Notes
- For a little extra spice, add jalapeños to the filling or top the enchiladas with sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Feel free to use leftover turkey or beef if you don’t have chicken on hand; the recipe adapts beautifully!
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Make sure your tortillas are warmed slightly before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
