Chicken enchiladas have become a staple in many households due to their comforting, savory flavors and their simplicity in preparation. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a dinner party, enchiladas are always a great choice. This blog post will guide you through five easy and cheesy chicken enchilada recipes that not only promise an explosion of taste but also cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
Recipe 1: Classic Chicken Enchiladas
The classic chicken enchilada brings together the rich flavors of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and sharp cheese, all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. Here’s how to make them:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on the stovetop to make them pliable.
- Dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce to lightly coat both sides.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.
🍴 Note: Be sure to check the tortillas for any rips before filling to ensure they hold the filling securely.
Recipe 2: Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
For those who crave a bit of heat, green chili chicken enchiladas add a spicy twist to the classic dish.
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 10 flour tortillas
- 1 can green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup (optional for creaminess)
- Chopped green onions and jalapenos for garnish
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat green enchilada sauce in a pan, add cream of chicken soup if desired, and stir until smooth.
- Dip each tortilla in the sauce, then fill with chicken and cheese, roll, and place in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions and jalapenos.
Recipe 3: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
These creamy enchiladas offer a milder flavor profile with the richness of a white sauce.
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream and salsa verde.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken and some cheese, roll, and place in a baking dish.
- Pour the cream mixture over the enchiladas, top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions.
💡 Note: For an extra creamy texture, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Recipe 4: Keto-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas
These keto-friendly enchiladas skip the traditional tortilla, making them perfect for those following a low-carb diet.
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce (look for low-carb or make your own)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of an oven-proof dish.
- Mix the chicken, cheese, and green chilies, then distribute over the sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce over the chicken, and top with extra cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and cilantro.
Recipe 5: Veggie-Packed Chicken Enchiladas
For those who want to add more veggies to their diet, this version packs in plenty of nutrition without compromising on flavor.
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional, adjust if not keto-friendly)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat tortillas to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with a mix of chicken, cheese, corn, beans, and tomatoes.
- Roll and place in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley.
These recipes provide a range of options, from the traditional to the innovative, catering to various tastes, dietary needs, and time constraints. Each recipe offers a delicious and simple way to enjoy the wonderful world of chicken enchiladas. Remember, the key to excellent enchiladas is using fresh ingredients and not overfilling the tortillas to avoid breakage. Here's to many delightful meals that bring the taste of Mexico right to your dinner table!
Can I prepare enchiladas in advance?
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Yes, enchiladas can be assembled a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of chicken in enchiladas?
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Enchiladas are versatile. You can use beef, pork, or even go vegetarian with fillings like beans, cheese, and assorted veggies.
How can I make enchiladas gluten-free?
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To make gluten-free enchiladas, use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Also, check the labels of your sauce and any other ingredients for gluten content.
