Name: Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 can red enchilada sauce (10 oz); 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sour cream, for serving; 8 pieces flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe

If you have been dreaming about that perfect blend of comforting warmth and vibrant flavor, then these Delicious Chicken Enchiladas are exactly what your kitchen needs. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy melted cheese, and a rich, zesty enchilada sauce wrapped lovingly in soft tortillas. Every bite bursts with layers of spice, smokiness, and freshness that will have you coming back for seconds – they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. Let’s dive into the magic behind creating your own delicious Chicken Enchiladas at home!

Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to building those soulful layers of flavor and texture that make Delicious Chicken Enchiladas a standout dish. Each component plays its part, from the mild creaminess of the cheese to the subtle earthiness of cumin, creating harmony in every bite.

2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken gives a quick shortcut, or cook your own for that fresh homemade touch.
1 can Red enchilada sauce (10 oz): This brings a zesty and slightly smoky kick; pick mild or spicy based on your spice tolerance.
2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts into creamy perfection, balancing the heat beautifully.
8 pieces Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling without tearing.
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil: Helps sauté aromatics that enrich the chicken’s flavor.
1 small Onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that makes everything come alive.
1 teaspoon Cumin: Offers a warm and earthy undertone essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
1 teaspoon Chili powder: Adds that signature southwestern punch and complexity.
Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Brings freshness and vibrant color to finish.
Sour cream (for serving): Adds creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the rich enchiladas.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

The foundation of your enchiladas is tender, flavorful chicken. Shred cooked chicken with two forks or your hands to get those perfect shredded strands that soak up sauce better. Then sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in vegetable oil until they smell heavenly and soften beautifully. Add the chicken to the skillet, season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and let it mingle on the heat for a few minutes so all those spices can penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish and Tortillas

To avoid any sticking and for an extra touch of saucy goodness, pour a small amount of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. This little step helps every bite slide out easily once baked. Make sure your flour tortillas are soft by warming them slightly if needed, which makes them more flexible and easier to roll without cracking.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Place a generous scoop of the seasoned chicken mixture on each tortilla and sprinkle it with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly so the filling stays snug inside, then place them seam side down in the baking dish. This careful rolling helps keep each enchilada intact and ready to soak up that luscious sauce on top.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese to cover them with a melty blanket. Cover the dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake in a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake a bit longer until the cheese bubbles and turns slightly golden—that irresistible signal that your enchiladas are perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Before serving, let your delicious Chicken Enchiladas rest for a few minutes. This pause lets the filling set slightly so it doesn’t spill out when you serve. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness and a gorgeous pop of green color. Serve with a dollop of sour cream that brings the perfect cool balance to the warm spices.

How to Serve Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the eating experience. Chopped cilantro and a spoonful of sour cream add freshness and creaminess that complement the rich, spiced chicken flawlessly. You can also add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Delicious Chicken Enchiladas shine best alongside simple, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, refried beans, or Mexican-style rice are classic companions. These sides lovely balance the richness of the enchiladas and add satisfying crunch or heartiness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving your enchiladas in individual ramekins or cutting them into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers. Layering some of the enchilada filling and sauce into a casserole dish as a deconstructed version also works well, especially for casual gatherings where everyone can help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Delicious Chicken Enchiladas stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste fantastic reheated and the flavors deepen overnight. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For the best reheated enchiladas, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the cheese melt and prevents the tortillas from becoming too dry or chewy, unlike the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give a more traditional flavor and texture. Just be sure to warm them gently to make them pliable before rolling to avoid cracking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with hearty beans like black beans or pinto beans along with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version of Delicious Chicken Enchiladas.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the enchilada sauce and chili powder you use. You can keep it mild by choosing a mild sauce or amp up the heat with spicier options and extra chili powder.

Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?

They’re perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble them up to a day ahead, keep covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to save time on busy days.

What cheese substitutes work well if I don’t have Monterey Jack?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend can work nicely. Monterey Jack melts beautifully but using other cheeses will still give that delightful creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, I cannot recommend these Delicious Chicken Enchiladas enough. They bring bold, comforting flavors together in a way that feels both special and effortlessly homey. Grab those ingredients, invite some friends or family, and dive into making this dish your new favorite—once you try them, they’ll definitely become a staple you’ll want to cook again and again!

Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4-6) 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This recipe for delicious chicken enchiladas features tender, shredded chicken cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and sautéed onions and garlic, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked under a blanket of zesty red enchilada sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfectly balanced in flavor with a creamy and cheesy finish, these enchiladas are garnished with fresh cilantro and served alongside cool sour cream for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, shred the meat using two forks or your hands to get fine, even pieces.
Sauté aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Cook the chicken mixture: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Prepare the baking dish: Pour a small amount of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking during baking.
Assemble enchiladas: Take each flour tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and roll the tortilla tightly. Place each rolled enchilada seam side down in the baking dish, repeating the process for all tortillas.
Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Rest and serve: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with sour cream on the side.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
Adjust the spiciness of the enchilada sauce according to your taste preference, choosing mild or spicy.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
Leftover enchiladas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Add finely chopped jalapeños into the chicken mixture if you desire extra heat.
For a richer flavor, you can mix some sour cream into the chicken filling before rolling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican