Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe – Easy, Homemade Sauce

Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Chicken enchilada recipe lovers, rejoice! This delightful dish brings together tender, shredded chicken enveloped in warm tortillas, all smothered in a rich, homemade sauce that bursts with flavor. Picture zesty tomatoes, earthy spices, and a hint of lime dancing together to create a symphony of taste. Topped with gooey cheese and fresh cilantro, these enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re a celebration! Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for special occasions. Dive in and savor every bite!

Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Chef Jasper

Savor the flavors of this chicken enchilada recipe! Easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Dive into deliciousness today!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Skillet For cooking the chicken.
• 1 Saucepan For preparing the enchilada sauce.
• 1 baking dish For assembling and baking the enchiladas.
• 1 Large bowl For mixing the filling.

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 2 cups Cooked chicken Diced, cooked until golden brown.

Sauce

• 1 can Enchilada sauce Choose red or green based on preference.
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth To lighten the sauce.

Wraps

• 8 pieces Tortillas Corn or flour.

Cheese

• 2 cups Shredded cheese Blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Vegetables

• 1 cup Black beans Canned for convenience.
• 1 medium Onion Sautéed until translucent.
• 1 cup Bell peppers Mixed colors for vibrancy.

Herbs

• 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped finely.

Toppings

• 1 cup Sour cream For serving on the side.
• 1 medium Avocado Slice just before serving.

Instructions

 

Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the filling.

Cook the Chicken

• In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin for extra flavor.

Prepare the Sauce

• In a separate saucepan, combine a can of enchilada sauce with a bit of chicken broth for a lighter texture. Heat it gently until warm, stirring occasionally.

Mix the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, a cup of shredded cheese, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Assemble the Enchiladas

• Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Add the Sauce

• Pour the warm enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re all covered. Sprinkle with more cheese on top for that gooey goodness.

Bake to Perfection

• Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

• Once out of the oven, let your enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, and extra cilantro. Dig in and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Keyword enchiladas, chicken, comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Recipe

• It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that warms your heart.
• Easy to customize with your favorite veggies and spices.
• Perfect for meal prep—enjoy leftovers all week!
• Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Quick to make, so you can enjoy dinner in no time!

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Recipe

• Chicken – A tender protein that forms the heart of the dish.
• Enchilada sauce – Adds rich flavor and moisture; choose red or green based on your preference.
• Tortillas – Soft wraps that hold all the delicious fillings together; corn or flour work well.
• Cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey texture; use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for best results.
• Black beans – Adds fiber and a hearty texture; canned beans are a quick option.
• Onion – Provides a savory base flavor; sauté until translucent for the best taste.
• Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch; use a mix of colors for a vibrant look.
• Cilantro – Fresh herb that brightens up the dish; chop finely for a burst of flavor.
• Sour cream – A creamy topping that balances the spice; serve on the side for dipping.
• Avocado – Creamy and rich, it adds a fresh element; slice just before serving to prevent browning.

How to Make the Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Get ready to whip up some delicious chicken enchiladas! Follow these simple steps for a meal that will warm your heart.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine a can of enchilada sauce with a bit of chicken broth for a lighter texture. Heat it gently until warm, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, a cup of shredded cheese, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the warm enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re all covered. Sprinkle with more cheese on top for that gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, and extra cilantro. Dig in and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Pro Tips for Making the Chicken Enchilada Recipe

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
• Don’t skip the cheese; it adds creaminess and richness.
• Experiment with different salsas for varied flavor profiles.
• Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
• Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for a fresh finish.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Recipe

• Top with fresh avocado slices for creaminess.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess.
• Pair with a refreshing corn salad for crunch.
• Offer tortilla chips and salsa on the side for extra texture.
• Drizzle with lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Include a side of black beans for added protein.
• Garnish with jalapeños for those who like it spicy.
• Serve with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing drink.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store your chicken enchiladas properly:

• Allow the dish to cool completely.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Label the container with the date.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze your chicken enchiladas:

• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped enchiladas in a freezer-safe bag.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture and taste when reheating:

• Thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

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