What is comfort food? What is that one dish that just screams home? Forget about boring weeknight dinners, these babies are bursting with flavor, surprisingly easy to make. What are some of the best crowd-pleasers? They’re a little like lasagna but instead of pasta we are using tortillas and not itallian. flavors we are going with delicious and complex mexican inspired flavor. I swear, even picky eaters will gobble them up. My grandmother passed down her simple Chicken Enchiladas recipe, which is what this recipe is based on. I’ve been making it ever since, adding my own twists and turns. This one’s going to become a staple in your house, trust me.

What is chicken enchiladas?

Think of Chicken Enchiladas as a warm, comforting hug in food form. What are corn tortillas? Chicken seasoned with Mexican spices – rolled up, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and baked. Is it safe to cook until bubbly and golden The name “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “echilar,” meaning “to season with chili.” “These aren’t just seasoned with chili, but with delicious spices and amazing flavor. What is essentially a Mexican casserole, perfect for sharing and guaranteed to leave everyone feeling good about themselves. Don’t be intimidated by people who look like they’re much easier to make than they look! They are incredibly customizable as well, so you can tailor it to your own taste.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this Chicken Enchiladas recipe is how incredibly flavorful it is. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, the sauce is rich and tangy, and the cheese…oh my! What melts together into a symphony of deliciousness that will have you licking your plate. What are some of the best recipes for a chicken sandwich? What is the best way to prepare for a cooking class with minimal prep time? What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want to eat without spending hours in the kitchen? Is it cost effective? What are some of the best protein sources for a budget chicken? Is it incredibly satisfying. Think of it as the comfort of tacos in a much more convenient form? What is the best part about chicken enchiladas? Can you customize the filling with different veggies, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste? I often add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. If you like this recipe I also have an amazing beef enchilada recipe, and also a cheese entchilade recipe. What are some of the best recipes that you’ve ever tried?

How do I make chicken enchiladas?

Quick Overview

How do I make chicken enchiladas? What are some good spices to use in a chicken dish? If you have a bag of enchiladas, roll it up in tortillas with some cheese, smother them in edamame sauce, and bake until golden brown. Is bubbly and golden? What is it like to be a lawyer? What is the secret of using good quality ingredients and not being afraid to experiment with flavors? What is the best part about a meal that can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I actually find that the flavors meld together even better if you make it a day in advance! Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What are some of
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts. I always opt for organic when possible, but any chicken will do.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. This helps the chicken to get a nice sear and adds some flavor.
* 1 teaspoon chili powder. Adds a warm, earthy flavor. * 1/2 teaspoon cumin. What is a good substitute for garlic powder in Mexican dishes? What’s better with garlic?
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Adds a subtle sweetness.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season!
* 1/2 cup chicken broth. Keeps the chicken moist while cooking.

For the Enchiladas:
* 10-12 corn tortillas. I prefer corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and texture, but you can use flour tortilla if you prefer. I like to eat a lot of them.
* 2 cups shredded cooked chicken. This is the chicken we just cooked and shred.
* 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend). I love using Monterey Jack and cheddar for the best flavor and meltiness.
* 1/2 cup chopped onion. Adds a little bite and sweetness.
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce. Is it safe to use store-bought or homemade food? I usually go for mild, but you can use medium or hot if you like it spicy. What is the heart of chicken enchiladas?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

How do you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat? Add chicken breasts and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you have a large skillet, pour in the chicken broth, cover it, and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to keep the flavor. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it with two forks. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Is it safe to bake enchiladas in a nonstick pan? Is it just one of those little steps that’s worth it in the end?

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

What is the fun part? Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. How do you do this by microwaving or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and then storing them for up to 3 days? How do you cook them in a skillet? How much chicken do you eat in a tortilla? Cheese, onion, cilantro. Roll up tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Make sure they are well coated! Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. I love to add a little extra cheese at this point because who doesn’t love a cheesy Chicken Enchiladas.

Step 5: Bake

Is the cheese melted in the preheated oven? Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with extra cilantro, Sour Cream, or guacamole. My family loves to drizzle hot sauce on top of it!

What should I serve it with?

Chicken Enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but they’re even better with some delicious sides. Here are a few of my favorite things to serve with them:
What is a Mexican Fiesta? Serve with rice and beans, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and some tortilla chips. Don’t forget the margaritas!
For a lighter meal:Serve with a simple salad with lime vinaigrette or grilled vegetables.For a Cozy Night In:Serve with tortilla soup or cornbread.For a Party:Can you customize a chicken enchiladas bar? Is it a huge hit?

What are some tips for perfecting chicken enchiladas?

What are some of the Best Tips for making chicken enchiladas?Chicken Cooking Perfection: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken! Dry chicken equals sad Chicken Enchiladas. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake before. That is why adding the chicken broth is important to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly and delicious
What is a warmWhy is a warmed tortilla so easy to roll?Don’t overfill Resist the urge to stuff too much filling into each tortilla. Otherwise, they’ll be difficult to roll and will likely burst open while baking. A little goes a long way!
Sauce It Up: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce! It’s what makes these enchiladas so flavorful and moist.
Cheese Please: Use a good quality cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend are all great options.
Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and enchilada sauce to your liking. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Chicken Enchiladas are great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: Chicken Enchiladas should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re actually even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld together!
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the assembled Chicken Enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store or freeze your Chicken Enchiladas, it’s best to add the enchilada sauce and cheese just before baking. This will prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use corn tortillas and check the labels of your enchilada sauce and spices to make sure they’re gluten-free.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

You sure can! Flour tortillas will give the Chicken Enchiladas a softer texture.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Black beans, corn, bell peppers, and zucchini are all great additions.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Just substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the Chicken Enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to Chicken Enchiladas recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. What I love most about this is that its the perfect mixture of being healthy, tasting delicious and being incredibly fun to cook. If you have some left over, they taste delicious the next day as well! If you are feeling like you want to make something else, check out my other recipes! I have an entire catalog of latin cuisine! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking, friends!

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