7 Chicken Enchilada Recipes You Have to Try

Chicken enchiladas are a timeless dish in Mexican cuisine, known for their rich flavors and the cozy, comforting feeling they bring. Whether it's a family dinner or a festive gathering, these recipes add a delightful variety to your cooking repertoire. From classic versions to creative spins, each recipe promises an authentic taste of Mexico with a personal touch that will make your taste buds dance!

Classic Chicken Enchiladas

Start with the foundation of all great Mexican dishes. This classic recipe offers a rich, savory experience that can’t be beaten:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft corn tortillas
• 1 can of enchilada sauce
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with some enchilada sauce to moisten it.
3. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
4. Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Spoon some chicken onto a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, roll it up, and place seam side down in the dish. Repeat until all tortillas are used.
6. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle generously with cheese.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

For those who adore a bit of spice, this variation infuses the meal with the zesty, earthy notes of green chilis:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft corn tortillas
• 1 can of green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup diced green chilis
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack)
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps as for the Classic Chicken Enchiladas, but add diced green chilis to the chicken mixture.
2. Instead of red sauce, use green enchilada sauce to cover the enchiladas.
3. Bake and garnish with sliced green onions for an extra kick of flavor.

White Chicken Enchiladas

Move away from the traditional red or green with these creamy, white sauce enchiladas:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft flour tortillas
• 2 cups of white enchilada sauce (made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and sour cream)
• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella or White Cheddar cheese
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the white sauce by melting butter, adding flour to make a roux, then slowly adding chicken broth and sour cream. Simmer until thickened.
2. Follow the same preparation steps for chicken and tortillas as in the classic recipe.
3. Fill tortillas with chicken, roll, place in a dish, and cover with white sauce.
4. Top with cheese and bake.
5. Serve sprinkled with chopped scallions.

Veggie Stuffed Chicken Enchiladas

For those looking to include more vegetables in their diet, this recipe combines the flavor of chicken with the freshness of veggies:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft corn tortillas
• 1 can of enchilada sauce
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (green, yellow, red)
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Optional: Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded chicken with chopped bell peppers and spinach.
2. Follow the Classic Chicken Enchiladas recipe, but add the veggie mixture to the chicken before rolling into tortillas.
3. Bake as usual and serve with sour cream for a creamy touch.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

This dish embraces the tangy flavors of salsa verde combined with an overload of cheese:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft corn tortillas
• 1 jar of Salsa Verde
• 3 cups of shredded cheese (Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese preferred)
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded chicken with some salsa verde to give it flavor.
2. Heat tortillas and fill with the chicken mixture and a generous amount of cheese.
3. Place in a baking dish, cover with additional salsa verde, and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake until cheese is melty and slightly browned.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Barbecue Chicken Enchiladas

A surprising twist for BBQ lovers, combining barbecue flavors with the traditional enchilada:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft flour tortillas
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Pickled jalapeños for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, reserving some for drizzling on top.
2. Fill tortillas with the BBQ chicken and cheese, roll, and place in the dish.
3. Top with remaining BBQ sauce and shredded cheese.
4. Bake until cheese is melted.
5. Garnish with pickled jalapeños for a spicy flair.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Bring heat to your table with this fiery spin on chicken enchiladas:

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 10 soft flour tortillas
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Pepper Jack)
• Blue cheese crumbles for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
2. Follow the basic enchilada assembly but use flour tortillas and fill with buffalo chicken mixture.
3. Cover with extra buffalo sauce and cheese before baking.
4. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top before serving.

🔥 Note: Ensure you have your favorite hot sauce ready to serve for extra heat!

As we wrap up this culinary journey through 7 unique chicken enchilada recipes, it's clear that there's a world of flavors to explore within the simple form of an enchilada. Each recipe brings something new to the table, from the traditional comfort of the classic to the surprising delight of buffalo chicken. These recipes are more than just meals; they're a celebration of culture, family, and the joy of cooking. By incorporating different spices, sauces, and fillings, you not only diversify your diet but also enrich your culinary skills, making these recipes an essential addition to your kitchen adventures. Enjoy cooking, savoring, and sharing these delicious enchiladas with those you love.

Can I use different types of tortillas for enchiladas?

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Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, flour tortillas offer a softer texture and can be a great alternative for those who prefer them.

What can I do if my enchiladas come out soggy?

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Try frying the tortillas lightly before rolling them to create a barrier against moisture. Also, using less sauce or adding a layer of cheese between the enchiladas and sauce can help.

Are enchiladas a good dish to freeze for later?

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Yes, enchiladas freeze well. Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.