Name: Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked); 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 8 corn or flour tortillas; 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Fresh cilantro; Sliced jalapeños; Sour cream; Diced avocado; Chopped onions; Salsa or pico de gallo

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Cheesy and comforting – Melted cheese and enchilada sauce create a rich and satisfying dish.
Customizable – Use corn or flour tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Great for leftovers – Reheats well for a delicious meal the next day.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a casual dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded chicken – Pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade) works best.
Enchilada sauce – Use store-bought or homemade for the best flavor.
Salt & black pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
Corn or flour tortillas – Corn for a traditional touch, flour for a softer texture.
Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.

Optional Toppings:

Fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Chopped onions
Salsa or pico de gallo

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, ¼ cup enchilada sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Warm the Tortillas

Corn tortillas: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway through.
Flour tortillas: Microwave on a plate for 1 minute, flipping halfway through.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

5. Bake the Enchiladas

Pour the remaining 1 ¾ cup enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ cups shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately and garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, or pico de gallo.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
Creamy Version: Mix ¼ cup sour cream into the chicken filling for extra creaminess.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or black beans to the filling.
Beef or Pork Swap: Use ground beef or pulled pork instead of chicken.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and check the enchilada sauce label.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works best for melty goodness.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier.

4. How do I prevent tortillas from cracking?

Warm them before assembling to keep them pliable.

5. Can I use green enchilada sauce instead?

Yes! Green enchilada sauce gives a tangy, slightly milder flavor.

6. What sides go well with enchiladas?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use black beans, mushrooms, or grilled veggies instead of chicken.

8. Can I add more protein?

Absolutely! Add cooked chorizo, beans, or extra chicken for more protein.

9. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer store-bought enchilada sauce for a few minutes to thicken it up.

10. Can I make my own enchilada sauce?

Yes! A simple mix of tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and broth makes a great homemade enchilada sauce.

Conclusion

These easy chicken enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and packed with delicious flavor. Whether you serve them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy this simple yet satisfying Mexican-inspired dish!