There’s something magical about a bubbling tray of chicken enchiladas coming out of the oven. The melted cheese, the tender tortillas soaked in rich sauce, and the comforting aroma make it irresistible. This dish reminds me of Sunday dinners where family conversations stretched longer than the meal itself. Mexican-inspired yet homely, it’s one of those meals that feels both special and easy. If you’ve ever loved the creamy texture of creamy garlic chicken, this enchilada bake will win your heart in a new way. In this post, we’ll go over why you’ll love it, what you need, how to make it perfectly, and a few expert tips.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Chicken enchiladas are pure comfort in every bite. They’re hearty, flavorful, and easily customizable. Whether you love spicy foods or prefer mild, the balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese hits every craving. Unlike other chicken casseroles, this recipe brings together traditional Mexican flavors; smoky cumin, zesty lime, and chili, all wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s perfect for meal prep too; reheat it and it tastes just as fresh the next day.
If you enjoy recipes that combine comfort with bold flavors, you’ll also love the caramelised soy chicken for its sticky, flavorful glaze. Both dishes bring restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Chicken Enchiladas
These easy Chicken Enchiladas are a warm, cheesy Mexican-inspired dinner loaded with juicy shredded chicken, flavorful red sauce, and melted cheese; perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8–10 flour tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add shredded chicken, seasonings, and ½ cup of enchilada sauce. Stir and heat through.
4. Spoon the mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour remaining sauce evenly over tortillas and top with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime before serving.
Notes
• Use corn tortillas for a traditional texture.
• Substitute sour cream sauce for red sauce for creamy white enchiladas.
• Make-ahead: assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients
For this easy chicken enchilada recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples. Everything comes together in under an hour.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups |
| Flour tortillas | 8–10 |
| Enchilada sauce (red or green) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) | 2 cups |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin, garlic powder, chili powder | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro, lime, jalapeños (optional) | For garnish |
For creamy versions, try adding cream cheese, similar to the luscious base in chicken gnocchi soup.
How to Make It
Making chicken enchiladas is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the cooked chicken, seasonings, and ½ cup of enchilada sauce.
- Assemble the enchiladas. Spread a spoonful of the filling onto a tortilla, roll it tightly, and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Top it off. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolls and sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Bake to perfection. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
For those who love easy dinners, check out the slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies; it’s another cozy, family-approved favorite.
Tips and Variations
Want to make your chicken enchiladas even better? Here are some quick tips:
- Use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican feel.
- Add black beans, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Swap chicken for ground turkey or beef for variation.
- For creamy white chicken enchiladas, use sour cream sauce instead of red.
- Prep ahead: assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you love creative weeknight meals, try these Herby sheet pan chicken pitas, a delicious twist on Mediterranean flavors with the same simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cheese for chicken enchiladas?
Mexican blends like cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, giving the enchiladas that irresistible pull.
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
Can I make these with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken, like in the rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta, saves time while keeping flavor.
What side dishes go with enchiladas?
Pair with rice, beans, or rosemary-infused roast potatoes for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
Chicken enchiladas are more than just a dinner; they’re a gathering on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this cheesy, flavorful dish always delivers. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself craving its warmth again and again.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
