Easy Chicken Enchiladas

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe. Easy Chicken Enchiladas deliver a hearty, comforting meal that your whole family will love. With creamy filling, savory spices, and plenty of melted cheese, these enchiladas are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, they come together quickly using shredded chicken, which means you can have dinner on the table in no time. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious dish!

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe is designed to be straightforward and forgiving, even for novice cooks. The use of rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also infuses a depth of flavor that will elevate your enchiladas to the next level. The creamy cream cheese and zesty green chilies create a filling that is both rich and satisfying, while the red enchilada sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s customizable! You can easily adjust the spice levels or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredient Checklist

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 4 ounces green chilies (1 small can)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 8-10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
• 15 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 can)
• 1 cup Mexican blend (or cheddar cheese, shredded)
• ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ½ cup tomatoes (finely chopped)

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing bowl – for combining the chicken, cream cheese, chilies, and spices.
• Casserole dish – to bake the enchiladas in.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – for mixing ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Oven – preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the enchiladas.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin, Monterey Jack cheese, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Use a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. This step is crucial as it prevents them from cracking when you roll them.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of the red enchilada sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish. Take a tortilla and add a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas and filling are used.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the dish, pour the remaining red enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese evenly over the sauce, ensuring every enchilada is covered.

Step 5: Bake

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

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh tomatoes before serving. Enjoy your meal with your favorite sides, like rice or beans!

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
• For gluten-free enchiladas, opt for gluten-free tortillas.
• If you’re avoiding chicken, feel free to replace it with shredded beef or a plant-based protein.
• For a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium enchilada sauce and cream cheese.

Author’s Commentary

I absolutely love this Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe because it’s so versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken. Whenever I make these enchiladas, I always double the recipe because they disappear so quickly! They make for fantastic leftovers, too, so don’t hesitate to whip up a big batch.

Save It for Later

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking! Just wrap the assembled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. They’re just as delicious straight from the freezer!

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and Mexican blend cheeses work well, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of different cheeses can add a unique flavor to your enchiladas.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make these enchiladas spicy?

Yes! To add heat, consider using spicy green chilies, jalapeños, or a spicier enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filling for an extra kick.

Is it possible to make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Certainly! You can replace the chicken with a mixture of black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

One Pan, More Ideas

• Black Bean Enchiladas – A meatless option that’s just as satisfying!
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas – For those who love an extra creamy twist.
• Easy Vegan Enchiladas – A plant-based version that’s full of flavor.
• Classic Chicken Enchiladas – A traditional take on this beloved dish.

The Takeaway

If you’re in search of a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than these Easy Chicken Enchiladas. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make adjustments to suit your preferences, these enchiladas are a surefire hit. So gather your loved ones, serve up a plate, and enjoy the deliciousness!