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Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

4.5 from 107 reviews

These Delicious Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken cooked with onions, garlic, and warming spices, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in zesty red enchilada sauce, and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection and served with fresh cilantro and sour cream, this classic Mexican-inspired dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (Used for sautéing onions and garlic.)
  • 1 small Onion, chopped (Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (Adds warmth and earthiness.)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder (Gives a nice kick and enhances flavor.)
  • to taste Salt and pepper (Helps balance the flavors.)

Assembly and Topping

  • 1 can Red enchilada sauce (10 oz) (Adds a zesty kick; choose mild or spicy based on preference.)
  • 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.)
  • 8 pieces Flour tortillas (Soft and pliable for easy rolling.)

Garnish and Serving

  • Chopped cilantro (Adds a pop of color and freshness.)
  • Sour cream (Adds creaminess and tang.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Boil or bake chicken until fully cooked. Once cooled enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix chicken and seasonings: Add shredded chicken to the skillet with onions and garlic. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Prepare baking dish: Pour a small amount of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble enchiladas: Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center, sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
  6. Add sauce and cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Serve: Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Adjust the spice level of the enchilada sauce according to your preference.
  • For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime to the chicken filling.
  • Make ahead by assembling enchiladas and refrigerating before baking; increase bake time slightly if baking cold.
  • For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered in the oven.

Keywords: chicken enchiladas, Mexican dinner, baked enchiladas, shredded chicken recipe, comfort food, spicy chicken dish