Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

If you’re looking for a lively, flavor-packed dish that satisfies the whole family, look no further than this scrumptious Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe! This dish is bursting with bold flavors and has a wonderful combination of spices that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Using simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find that making these enchiladas at home is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a keeper for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious—smoky chipotle chilis in adobo sauce paired with tender chicken and melted cheese create a flavor harmony that is hard to resist. Secondly, it is versatile; you can customize the level of spiciness, swap out ingredients, and even use leftovers creatively. Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting dinner ready to go any night of the week!

The Essentials

To whip up these fabulous enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons chipotle chilis in adobo sauce (depending on your spice preference)
• 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• Kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces cooked shredded chicken breast (from 2 breasts of a rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken in the slow cooker)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 8-7 inch whole wheat flour tortillas (I use low-carb la tortilla factory)
• 1 cup part-skim shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• Olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions or cilantro for topping
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, Greek yogurt, jalapenos, etc.

Appliances & Accessories

You’ll want to have the following appliances and accessories on hand for this recipe:

• Large skillet for sautéing
• Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Baking dish (9×13) for the enchiladas
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing

From Start to Finish: Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare the Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe that will wow your taste buds.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, tomato sauce, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, and chicken broth. Season with kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, dried oregano, chipotle chili powder, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with kosher salt to taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas will bake evenly once they’re assembled.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the sauce.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro, and feel free to add any optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapenos. Now, dig in and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe!

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways you can customize it to suit your taste:

• Swap out the chicken for shredded beef or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Use different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrition.
• Try various sauces, such as enchilada sauce or salsa verde, for a different flavor profile.

Avoid These Traps

When making your Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overfilling the tortillas can cause them to burst while baking. Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling.
• Forgetting to cover the enchiladas with sauce before baking can lead to dry tortillas.
• Not letting the enchiladas rest after baking can result in a messy serving. Allow them a few minutes to set.

How to Store & Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store and reheat your enchiladas:

To store, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

Questions People Ask

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and assemble the enchiladas when you’re ready to bake.

Are these enchiladas spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chipotle chili in adobo sauce you use. You can adjust it according to your taste preference, making it milder or hotter as desired.

Can I freeze enchiladas?

Yes! You can freeze assembled enchiladas before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

What should I serve with enchiladas?

These enchiladas pair well with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. For a full spread, consider serving Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake Deluxe or Cheesy Cheddar Chicken as side dishes!

Keep Cooking

As you explore the world of delicious meals, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

• Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake Deluxe
• Cheesy Cheddar Chicken

Make It Tonight

With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe is perfect for a delightful dinner tonight. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let the flavors take center stage. You won’t regret it—your taste buds will thank you!