Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe | Quick & Delicious Family Dinner

Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. 

This Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in soft tortillas. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will have you serving up a crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Quick and Straightforward: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or adjust the spice level.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 cups canned or homemade enchilada sauce
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creamier sauce)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Lime wedges

How To Make Easy Chicken Enchiladas

1. Preheat the Oven:
   
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
     
2. Prepare the Filling:
   
   • In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ½ cup shredded cheese, black beans (if using), diced onion, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
     
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   
   • Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center.
     
   • Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
     
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
   
   • Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered.
     
   • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
     
5. Bake:
   
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
     
6. Garnish and Serve:
   
   • Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeños if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with queso fresco, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Sauce Swap: Use green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist.

How To Serve

• Classic Pairing: Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans.
• Lighter Option: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Beverage Match: Enjoy with a cold margarita or a refreshing agua fresca.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Adjustments: Use low-sodium enchilada sauce and whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled enchiladas (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw, add sauce, and bake when ready.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and gooey, cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Looking for more Mexican-inspired dishes? Check out our collection of quick and easy recipes.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I make this vegetarian? A: Yes! Substitute the chicken with a mix of roasted vegetables, black beans, or tofu.

Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce? A: Absolutely! Store-bought sauce works perfectly, but homemade adds a special touch.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent soggy enchiladas? A: Lightly toast the tortillas before filling them to help prevent sogginess.