Introduction: A Classic Comfort Dish with Creamy Goodness

Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe features shredded chicken wrapped in soft flour tortillas, covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and topped with even more melted Monterey Jack cheese. The layers of flavor and rich, gooey cheese make these enchiladas a guaranteed hit.

These Chicken Enchiladas are simple to prepare, and the ingredients are easy to find. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this dish will satisfy your cravings for something hearty, cheesy, and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a festive occasion, these enchiladas offer the perfect balance of savory chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy, rich sauce.

Let’s dive into how to make these Chicken Enchiladas that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Enchiladas:

For the Enchiladas:

  • 8-10 small flour tortillas (you can use corn tortillas if you prefer, but flour tortillas are more traditional for creamy enchiladas)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover cooked chicken)
  • 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, divided (you will use some for the filling and some for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the chicken and sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup (for a creamy, rich base)
  • 1 cup sour cream (adds tanginess and creaminess)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (for a mild kick of heat)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (to thin the sauce and give it a smooth consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (for flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky, earthy flavor)

For Topping:

  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra shredded cheese (for topping before baking, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cook the chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can easily make this by using rotisserie chicken, which is a quick option. Alternatively, cook 3 cups of chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs) and shred it once it’s cooked.
  2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, season the shredded chicken with salt and black pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

  1. Combine the ingredients for the sauce: In a medium saucepan, add the can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 can of diced green chilies, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
  2. Add the seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin (optional). These spices will elevate the flavor of the sauce and complement the chicken.
  3. Heat the sauce: Over medium heat, stir the mixture until it’s smooth and heated through. Once combined, reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm while you assemble the enchiladas.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Prepare the tortillas: If you want the tortillas to be a little softer, you can heat them slightly. Lightly warm each flour tortilla in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, just until they are pliable.
  2. Fill the tortillas: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the shredded chicken into the center of each tortilla. Add a couple of tablespoons of the sauce on top of the chicken.
  3. Add cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken and sauce mixture inside the tortilla.
  4. Roll the tortillas: Carefully roll up the tortillas, tucking the ends in slightly as you roll to keep the filling secure. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Top the Enchiladas

  1. Pour the remaining sauce: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas, covering them completely. This will ensure that each enchilada is packed with creamy flavor.
  2. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cup) generously over the top of the sauce. You can also add extra shredded cheese if you want a gooier, cheesier topping.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

  1. Bake the enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  2. Optional broiling step: For an extra crispy cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch the enchiladas closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro: After the enchiladas have finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
  2. Serve: Serve the Chicken Enchiladas hot with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor. These enchiladas are also great with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Chicken Enchiladas, assuming the recipe makes about 6 servings:

  • Calories: ~400-450 kcal per serving
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sugar: ~4g
  • Sodium: ~800mg

The nutritional content will vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the type of tortillas or cheese. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream and cheese.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Enchiladas turn out perfect every time:

  1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is pre-cooked and perfect for shredding. It adds great flavor and makes the process quicker.
  2. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the enchilada sauce to your taste. If you like a spicier dish, you can add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  3. Soft Tortillas: Lightly heating the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from tearing while you roll them up.
  4. Bake in a Glass Dish: A glass baking dish is ideal for baking enchiladas, as it helps retain the heat and ensures that the cheese melts evenly.
  5. Leftover Enchiladas: These Chicken Enchiladas store well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave or in the oven.

Variations

Here are a few fun variations you can try with your Chicken Enchiladas:

  • Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Add jalapeños or chili powder to the sauce for some extra heat.
  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Green Chile Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce in place of the creamy sauce for a tangier flavor.
  • Cheese Enchiladas: Omit the chicken and fill the tortillas with cheese for a classic cheesy version.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the enchiladas for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each enchilada tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Chicken Enchiladas with any of the following:

  • Sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Salsa (mild, medium, or spicy) for a zesty addition.
  • Mexican rice or refried beans for a full meal.
  • Tortilla chips or crispy fries on the side for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, shredded chicken, and melty cheese, this dish will be a crowd favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a party, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these Chicken Enchiladas will satisfy your taste buds every time.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal!