Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Try Our Irresistible Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Today!

Comfort food reaches new heights with these mouth-watering cheesy chicken enchiladas that promise pure deliciousness.

Tender chicken, wrapped in soft tortillas, creates a flavor explosion in every single bite.

Melted cheese blankets the enchiladas, delivering a creamy and satisfying experience.

Spices dance through the filling, ensuring each mouthful bursts with authentic Mexican-inspired goodness.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a meal that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy.

The enchiladas emerge from the oven golden and bubbling, ready to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Gather around the table and savor every delectable moment of this irresistible dish.

Fun Ways To Serve Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Fresh Fiesta Side Kick: Pair these sizzling enchiladas with Mexican-style rice sprinkled with fresh cilantro and lime zest for a vibrant, complementary meal.
  • Creamy Cool Contrast: Top the hot enchiladas with a dollop of tangy sour cream and chopped fresh salsa to balance the rich, spicy flavors and add a refreshing texture.
  • Zesty Green Finish: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes over the enchiladas to introduce bright, fresh notes and add a pop of color to the dish.
  • Complete Plate Experience: Serve alongside black beans or refried beans and a crisp green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to create a well-rounded, satisfying dinner that captures authentic Mexican cuisine.

Store Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe The Right Way

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Cool enchiladas completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp texture.
  • Fridge Storage Solution: Keep enchiladas in airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap individual or entire batch in tight aluminum foil, storing for 2-3 months without losing taste quality. Label container with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave works for quick single servings, but may reduce crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

For Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that creates the hearty filling, choose fresh boneless skinless cuts for best texture.
  • Tortillas: Soft, pliable corn or flour wrappers that hold the delicious filling, select fresh tortillas that don't crack easily.
  • Cheese: Melty, creamy element that brings richness, opt for sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for maximum flavor.
For Sauce Builders:
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and moisture, select low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth sauce, use all-purpose for consistent texture.
  • Olive Oil: Foundational cooking fat that starts the sauce, choose extra virgin for richer taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chili Powder: Warm, spicy kick that defines enchilada character, look for fresh, vibrant ground blend.
  • Cumin: Earthy, smoky undertone that adds authentic southwestern essence, select whole ground spice.
  • Garlic Powder: Subtle aromatic that boosts overall taste profile, choose fine-ground version.
  • Onion Powder: Mild sweet background note, pick pure ground powder without additives.
  • Green Chilies: Bright, tangy accent that provides gentle heat, select fire-roasted if possible.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy, tangy element that softens filling, choose full-fat for richness.
  • Sugar: Balances sauce's acidity, use white granulated for smooth integration.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that heightens all other flavors, use freshly ground black pepper.

Tools You’ll Use For Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, flavorful enchilada sauce with even heating.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining chicken filling ingredients thoroughly.
  • Whisk: Key for blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking enchiladas evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garnishes and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Helpful for slicing green onions, cilantro, and other toppings.

Steps To Make Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Whip Up A Spicy Sauce

Create a flavor-packed enchilada sauce by heating oil and toasting flour until golden. Sprinkle in aromatic spices, letting them dance and bloom. Slowly pour in broth while whisking, letting the mixture transform into a rich, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper for an extra punch.

  • Craft The Chicken Mixture

Shred tender chicken and blend with melty cheese and zesty green chilies. Fold in a splash of your homemade sauce, creating a mouthwatering filling that will make taste buds sing with joy.

  • Roll And Prepare

Warm your tortillas and lovingly fill each one with the chicken mixture. Carefully roll them into neat bundles and nestle them snugly in a baking dish. Drench the enchiladas with remaining sauce, ensuring every inch is covered in deliciousness.

  • Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into a hot oven and let the magic happen. Watch as cheese melts and edges turn golden brown. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling masterpiece that promises pure comfort.

  • Serve With Flair

Let the enchiladas rest briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs and your favorite toppings. Plate alongside rice or beans for a complete meal that will transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Tips To Make Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Extra Flavorful

  • Flavor Boost Tip: Add a splash of tequila or lime juice to the enchilada sauce for an extra zesty kick that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian guests. Each protein brings a unique flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
  • Spice Level Control: Dial up the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the filling or using hot chili powder. For milder versions, use mild green chilies and reduce spicy seasonings to suit sensitive palates.
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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mexican chicken enchiladas blend tender shredded chicken and melted cheese in a zesty sauce. Crisp tortillas and rich flavors make this classic dish an irresistible comfort meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams/10.5 oz) cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 ½ cups (150 grams/5.3 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 810 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 can (4 oz/113 grams) diced green chilies
  • ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) sour cream
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsps chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) chicken broth
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Craft a robust enchilada sauce by whisking flour in heated olive oil until golden brown, then activate aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder to develop intense flavor profiles.
  2. Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate chicken broth and sugar, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens into a luxurious sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool and meld flavors.
  3. Filling Creation: Blend shredded chicken with melted cheese, green chilies, and sour cream, incorporating a portion of prepared sauce to enhance moisture and depth of flavor.
  4. Assembly Setup: Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation.
  5. Enchilada Formation: Distribute chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, rolling tightly and positioning seams downward in the sauce-lined baking dish. Completely coat with remaining sauce and sprinkle generously with additional cheese.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, allowing flavors to meld and textures to develop.
  7. Finishing Touches: Rest enchiladas briefly to stabilize, then garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with complementary sides like rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Sauce Consistency: Whisk flour and oil slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base that guarantees a velvety enchilada sauce texture.
  • Chicken Preparation Tip: Shred chicken while still warm for easier pulling and better sauce absorption, ensuring maximum flavor infusion throughout the filling.
  • Tortilla Selection Strategy: Use soft corn or flour tortillas at room temperature to prevent cracking during rolling, which maintains the structural integrity of enchiladas.
  • Dietary Adaptation Hack: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use shredded chicken or plant-based protein for gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan versions without compromising authentic flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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