Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouth-watering chicken enchiladas recipe? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making the best chicken enchiladas, packed with flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Let's dive in and discover the secrets to creating this delightful Mexican dish. Read on for detailed instructions, tips, and variations to perfect your chicken enchiladas!

What are Chicken Enchiladas?

Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish consisting of tortillas filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, beans, green chiles, and seasonings, rolled up and smothered in enchilada sauce, then baked to perfection with a generous topping of cheese. This dish is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients List for Chicken Enchiladas

Before we begin, let's gather all the ingredients needed for this delicious dish. Having everything prepared in advance will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Enchiladas

• 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute with olive oil)
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 14 oz. red enchilada sauce (homemade version highly recommended)
• 2 ¾ cups shredded chicken (see notes for preparation)
• Salt, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, undrained
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
• 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
• Sour cream, for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let's break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring your chicken enchiladas turn out perfectly every time.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F.
2. Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Measure out the remaining ingredients before starting to cook. This makes the process much more efficient.

Cooking the Filling

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add ⅓ cup of the enchilada sauce to the skillet along with the minced garlic.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet. If your chicken is not already salted, season with salt to taste. Note that rotisserie chicken typically does not need additional salt.
4. Sprinkle the chicken with the combined seasonings and toss to coat evenly.
5. Stir in the black beans, diced green chiles, lime juice, hot sauce, honey, and cilantro. Cook until everything is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Enchiladas

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Spread 4 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish to create a thin layer.
2. Optionally, microwave the tortillas in batches of 4 for 30 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
3. Spoon the filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Top with a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese.
4. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side-down in the prepared casserole dish.

Baking the Enchiladas

1. Pour or spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. You can use up to ¾ cup of sauce, depending on your preference.
2. Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over the top.
3. Cover the dish with foil (spray the bottom of the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking).
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 13 minutes.
5. If desired, broil on low (450° F) for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Garnish your chicken enchiladas with additional cilantro and your favorite toppings. Some great options include sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, jalapenos, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas

For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the enchiladas neatly in the casserole dish and garnish with colorful toppings. You can also serve them individually on plates, drizzled with extra enchilada sauce and topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Tortillas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
• Protein: Substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables or tofu.
• Sauce: Try green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist or a creamy enchilada sauce by adding ¼ cup of heavy cream to the red sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your chicken enchiladas turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overstuffing the Tortillas: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and may result in filling spilling out.
• Not Warming the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to prevent them from cracking.
• Using Too Much Sauce: While it might be tempting to use all the sauce, too much can make the enchiladas soggy. Use just enough to coat the tortillas and enhance the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make chicken enchiladas ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 2 days in advance. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.

Q: Can I freeze chicken enchiladas? A: Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas without the sauce and cheese, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add the sauce and cheese and bake as directed.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier? A: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapenos to the filling for extra heat.

Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce? A: Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works well if you're short on time. However, homemade sauce adds a richer flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With this detailed recipe, you'll be able to create flavorful and satisfying enchiladas that are sure to impress your family and friends. Don't forget to experiment with different variations and toppings to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of these delightful chicken enchiladas!

Print