Best Chicken Enchiladas

The Best Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful culinary creation that promise to impress at any gathering. These flavorful enchiladas are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals. With shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, this dish is not only comforting but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent or just love delicious food, these enchiladas will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, you can whip up these enchiladas in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with familiar flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Great for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat well, making them perfect for lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• 9×13 baking dish: Perfect for holding all your assembled enchiladas without spilling over.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all your ingredients thoroughly.
• Shallow bowl: Ideal for dipping tortillas in sauce evenly.

Ingredients

The BEST Chicken Enchilada Recipe! Shredded chicken rolled up in a soft, flour tortilla with cheese and all of your favorite fillings and toppings smothered with enchilada sauce!

For the Enchiladas

• 8 flour tortillas (soft shell size)
• 2.5 cups shredded chicken (I love to buy a rotisserie chicken and shred that up!)
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 small cans red enchilada sauce
• 4 oz cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
• 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
• Cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Best Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the enchiladas will bake evenly once assembled.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Black beans
3. Corn
4. Diced tomatoes with green chiles
5. Cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese

Divide the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly into two separate bowls. Set one bowl aside for topping later.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the 9×13 pan and spread it evenly.
– Take one tortilla and dip it into the remaining enchilada sauce until both sides are coated.
– Allow any excess sauce to drip off before placing it on a flat surface.
– Add about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of the tortilla.
– Sprinkle some cheese from the reserved bowl on top of the filling.
– Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 5: Finish Assembling

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until all are filled and placed in the baking dish. Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over all assembled enchiladas, then sprinkle with leftover cheese from your earlier preparation.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro before serving warm! Enjoy these delicious enchiladas with sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, or avocado as desired.

How to Serve Best Chicken Enchiladas

Serving Best Chicken Enchiladas can elevate your dining experience. With a few creative touches, you can make your meal even more delightful and visually appealing.

Fresh Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that perfectly balances the flavors.
• Chopped Cilantro: This herb enhances freshness and adds a pop of color to your dish.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices complement the enchiladas and provide healthy fats.

Flavorful Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa brings a zesty kick and pairs well with the richness of the enchiladas.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and spicy mango salsa offers a unique flavor contrast that brightens up each bite.
• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip is always a crowd favorite and adds richness to the meal.

Crunchy Side Salads

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad with corn, lime, and cheese offers a refreshing crunch.
• Cabbage Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw provides crispness and helps to balance the hearty enchiladas.

How to Perfect Best Chicken Enchiladas

Creating the perfect Best Chicken Enchiladas is easy with a few simple tips. These suggestions will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Bold spices: Use fresh spices for better flavor. Freshly ground cumin enhances the taste significantly.
• Moist chicken: Ensure your shredded chicken is moist. If using rotisserie chicken, keep some of the juices for added flavor.
• Warm tortillas: Warm tortillas before assembling. This prevents them from cracking when rolling.
• Layer flavors: Don’t hesitate to add extra ingredients like peppers or onions in the filling for additional taste.
• Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor combinations. Try pepper jack for added heat!
• Rest before serving: Allow enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps flavors meld and makes them easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chicken Enchiladas

Pairing side dishes with your Best Chicken Enchiladas can enhance your meal experience. Consider these delicious options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Spanish Rice: This flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices is a classic side that pairs perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and fiber, making them an excellent accompaniment.
3. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled veggies adds color and nutrition to your plate while providing a smoky flavor.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast in texture with their crumbly softness.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an irresistible starter or snack alongside enchiladas.
6. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad featuring black beans, corn, and bell peppers complements the enchiladas nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the best chicken enchiladas can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale tortillas: Fresh tortillas make a big difference in texture and flavor. Always use soft, pliable tortillas for rolling.
• Overfilling the enchiladas: Adding too much filling can lead to torn tortillas. Stick to about 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla for best results.
• Skipping the sauce layer: Pouring sauce at the bottom of the baking dish prevents sticking and adds moisture. Don’t skip this step!
• Not letting it cool slightly before serving: If you dive into your enchiladas right out of the oven, they might fall apart. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
• Forgetting toppings: Toppings like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to adorn your enchiladas!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Best Chicken Enchiladas

• Wrap each enchilada tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Best Chicken Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Best Chicken Enchiladas?

You can easily customize your enchiladas by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or by using different types of cheese based on your preference.

Can I make Best Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just add extra cooking time if you’re baking from frozen.

What side dishes go well with Best Chicken Enchiladas?

Serve your enchiladas with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. These pair perfectly with the flavors of the dish.

Are Best Chicken Enchiladas healthy?

With shredded chicken and beans as protein sources, these enchiladas can be a healthy meal option. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shredded beef, turkey, or even lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile in your enchiladas.

Conclusion

This recipe for the best chicken enchiladas is not only delicious but also versatile. With endless customization options—from fillings to toppings—you can make this dish uniquely yours. Try it out and enjoy a comforting meal that brings everyone together!