Fiesta-Ready Chicken Enchiladas Recipe That Wows Guests

Creamy and packed with zesty flavors, these chicken enchiladas will transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.

Melted cheese blankets tender shredded chicken nestled in soft tortillas, creating a comfort food masterpiece.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of spices and rich, savory goodness.

The enchiladas come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serve these enchiladas alongside Mexican rice or a crisp salad for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What to Use for Chicken Enchiladas

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle flavor depth.
• Flour: Creates silky sauce texture and helps thicken enchilada sauce.

• Chili Powder: Delivers classic southwestern warmth and vibrant red color.
• Cumin: Adds earthy, smoky undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces aromatic depth without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes savory background notes.

• Chicken Broth: Builds rich, hearty sauce foundation with authentic flavor.
• Sugar: Balances spice and adds subtle caramelization.

• Shredded Chicken: Protein-packed core of enchilada filling.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and tangy flavor.
• Green Chilies: Introduces mild, bright pepper excitement.
• Sour Cream: Creates silky, tangy filling consistency.

• Tortillas: Soft vessels for delicious chicken mixture.

• Cilantro: Fresh, herbal brightness that elevates dish.
• Green Onions: Sharp, crisp flavor accent.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, fresh color and light acidic touch.
• Extra Sour Cream: Cool, creamy finishing touch.

Tools for Chicken Enchiladas Prep

• Large Saucepan: Essential for preparing smooth, flavorful enchilada sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing chicken filling ingredients together.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking enchiladas evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: For chopping garnishes like cilantro and green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheese for topping.

Make Chicken Enchiladas Step-by-Step

• Craft the Flavor Base

Whip up a zesty sauce by heating oil and toasting flour until golden. Sprinkle in spices and let them dance for a moment. Slowly pour in broth, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, rich sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Mix the Magical Filling

Combine shredded chicken with cheese, creating a creamy blend that’ll be the heart of your enchiladas. Fold in a splash of the freshly made sauce to amp up the flavor profile.

• Roll and Prepare

Warm up your tortillas and transform them into delicious parcels. Spread a layer of sauce in your baking dish, then carefully roll each tortilla with the savory chicken mixture. Nestle them snugly side by side.

• Melt and Bake

Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining sauce, then blanket them with a generous layer of cheese. Slide into a hot oven and let the magic happen until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, add a dollop of cream, and serve alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the explosion of flavors that’ll transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Quick Fixes for Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken Enchiladas Pro Tips & Variations
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot chili powder. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Protein Swap Trick: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian-friendly version. Ground turkey works great for a leaner option.
• Tortilla Texture Hack: Quickly warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave to prevent cracking when rolling. Corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas offer softer texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cover with foil before baking to prevent excessive drying. Can also freeze assembled dish for up to 3 months.
• Dietary Modification: For gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour in sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Low-carb option includes using lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.

Chicken Enchilada Serving Suggestions

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Arrange enchiladas on a vibrant ceramic plate with a colorful side of Mexican-style rice and black beans. Drizzle extra enchilada sauce on top for added moisture and visual appeal.
• Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced green onions across the enchiladas. Add a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the warm, spicy flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser Companion: Serve with classic Mexican sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette. Include warm tortillas on the side for extra texture and interactive dining experience.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich enchiladas with a cold Mexican beer like Corona or a zesty margarita. For non-alcoholic options, serve refreshing horchata or sparkling lime agua fresca.

Enchilada Storage Tips to Know

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Cool enchiladas completely before freezing. Seal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen enchiladas stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Rescue: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick single servings, adding a splash of extra sauce to keep them juicy.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time. This method intensifies flavors and saves precious weeknight cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Mouthwatering Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired best ever chicken enchiladas deliver comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Rich with tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce, this classic meal will satisfy hungry diners looking for authentic southwestern cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 grams) cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mexican blend)
• 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) sour cream (optional, for creamier filling)
• 1 can (4 oz/113 grams) diced green chilies (optional)
• 3 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Create a golden roux by whisking flour into heated olive oil, then intensify with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powders. Allow spices to bloom and release their aromatic essence.
2. Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate chicken broth and sugar, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors harmonize, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.
3. Filling Creation: Blend shredded chicken with cheese, green chilies, sour cream, and a portion of enchilada sauce in a mixing bowl. Combine ingredients until a cohesive, flavorful mixture forms, ensuring even distribution of components.
4. Assembly: Spread a thin sauce layer in the baking dish. Distribute the chicken mixture onto tortillas, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down. Create a uniform arrangement that maximizes flavor and presentation.
5. Final Preparation: Drench the enchiladas with remaining sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Shower the top with a generous cheese layer that will melt into a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
6. Baking Process: Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a molten, crisp golden topping and the edges become slightly caramelized.
7. Garnishing and Serving: Allow enchiladas to rest briefly, then adorn with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, and a sour cream dollop. Plate alongside rice, beans, or a vibrant salad to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

• Manage Spice Intensity: Adjust chili powder quantity to control heat level, accommodating different taste preferences without compromising overall flavor profile.
• Prevent Tortilla Tearing: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to increase flexibility and reduce chances of cracking during rolling, ensuring neat, tight enchilada presentation.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding broth to prevent lumps, maintaining smooth sauce texture that coats enchiladas evenly without becoming too thick or thin.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cheese, or replace chicken with black beans for vegetarian version, making recipe adaptable to various dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg