Ever thought you could make restaurant-quality chicken enchiladas at home? Yes, you can! Our easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe lets you enjoy homemade chicken enchiladas that taste just as good as the ones from a restaurant.

This recipe is a mix of simple ingredients and steps. It’s quick to prepare and cook in under two hours. It’s perfect for impressing at family meals or enjoying a Mexican feast at home. Plus, making a double batch means more delicious meals to go around!

• Prep Time: 45 minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes.
• This recipe yields one 9×13-inch dish, serving up to 8 people.
• Ingredients include 2 pounds of chicken breast meat and 10 ounces of enchilada sauce.
• Perfect for a family dinner or making extra servings for later.
• The dish features a combination of sour cream, green chiles, and shredded cheese for maximum flavor.

Ever wondered What Makes Chicken Enchiladas Special?? It’s their rich history and tasty mix of ingredients. These dishes come from Mexican traditions. The Spanish conquistadors first saw enchiladas in Aztec meals, showing a long-standing tradition.

Chicken enchiladas stand out because they’re simple yet rich. They use shredded chicken and Mexican cheeses. This mix brings a homemade feel and a comforting taste to any meal.

Traditional recipes use corn tortillas for their taste and texture. In our easy chicken enchiladas with red sauce, you’ll find 2 cups of cooked chicken. It’s seasoned with chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin, salt, and pepper. The sauce, made with chicken stock, chili powder, and tomato paste, gives about 2 ½ cups. This makes every bite rich and tangy.

To make the enchiladas perfect, the sauce cooks for 20 to 30 minutes. This time is key for the authentic taste. The enchiladas bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. This makes them both inviting and delicious.

Chicken enchiladas are full of nutrients. Each serving has 323 kcal, 29 g of protein, and 5 g of fiber. This makes them a satisfying meal for any occasion. The recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to two months, showing its convenience.

In short, What Makes Chicken Enchiladas Special? is their cultural background, simple yet flavorful ingredients, and the warm taste they bring. Whether you like them with green or red sauce, they’re a dish loved by many.

To make chicken enchiladas taste just right, you need the right stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to make enchiladas that are both delicious and authentic:

• Shredded Chicken: 1.5 lbs of chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded well.
• Corn Tortillas: 10 flour tortillas (taco size).
• Cheese: A mix of 2 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, divided.
• Sour Cream: 1/3 cup for a creamy texture.
• Diced Green Chiles: 4.5 ounces with juice for a mild kick.
• Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce: 20 ounces (2 cans of 10 oz each) of mild red enchilada sauce.
• Butter: 3 tablespoons.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups.
• Cream Cheese: 3 ounces for a rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 1/4 teaspoons (divided).
• Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon.

These essential ingredients help you get the perfect mix of flavors and textures. You’ll end up with chicken enchiladas that are both satisfying and spicy.

Want to try something new? Add some optional toppings to boost the flavor:

• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Here’s a table with nutrition and serving info:

Choosing the right chicken is key to making great chicken enchiladas. Start by picking high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts for this recipe.

There are several ways to cook the chicken. You can bake, boil, or use a slow cooker. Each method has its own benefits. Baking adds flavor, while a slow cooker makes it easy and hands-off.

After cooking, make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is between 160 to 165ºF. This ensures it’s safe and tender. Then, shred the chicken finely. This makes it blend well with the enchilada sauce and other ingredients.

Shredding the chicken also helps it roll up in tortillas without tearing. This step is important for the texture and flavor of your enchiladas.

Here’s a quick comparison of different cooking methods for chicken:

Choosing the right chicken and cooking it well makes your enchiladas unforgettable. Mix the shredded chicken with sautéed onions and black beans. Season it well before rolling it in tortillas and covering it in sauce.

Creating the perfect enchilada sauce is key for homemade chicken enchiladas. Let’s explore how to make this tasty sauce. Start by heating 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a pan over medium heat.

• Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in 1-2 seeded and chopped jalapeños, and 3 cloves of minced garlic for an aromatic base.
• Next, toast 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of cumin in the pan for about a minute.
• Incorporate 1/2 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors and add seasoning.
• Add a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water to the mixture, and bring it to a simmer. Adjust the water for desired consistency.
• Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes before blending until smooth. This ensures a homogeneous and velvety sauce.

The type of chili powder used is crucial for the sauce’s spiciness. For spicy enchiladas, use a spicier chili powder or add more jalapeños. For a milder sauce, use less chili powder or jalapeños.

With these ingredients, your enchilada sauce will be rich and flavorful. Adjusting the spiciness is easy, making sure it suits your taste. Enjoy making this essential sauce for your enchiladas!

When it comes to assembling the enchiladas, selecting the right tortillas is key. Corn tortillas are traditional for chicken enchiladas, adding a rich flavor. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, make the dish softer.

After choosing your tortillas, it’s time to fill them. Spread about two tablespoons of chicken and cheese filling in each tortilla. This ensures they cook well and taste great.

Rolling techniques are crucial next. They help keep the filling inside and cook evenly. Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish. Finish by adding a thin layer of sauce on both sides, but only one side at a time to avoid too much sauce.

Baking the chicken enchiladas is key to getting that perfect melty cheese and bubbly sauce. First, make sure you’re preheating the oven to 400°F. This step is important for even cooking, so don’t skip it!

After the oven is ready, put the enchiladas in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent too much browning and keep it moist. This trick helps keep your enchiladas at their best.

Bake the enchiladas for 20 to 25 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make the sauce bubble up. If you want crispy cheese bits, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the baking essentials:

• Oven temperature: 400°F
• Baking dish: 13 x 9 inches
• Recommended baking time: 20 to 25 minutes

By following these tips, your chicken enchiladas will be perfectly baked every time. Enjoy your homemade delight!

Choosing the right ideal side dishes can make your chicken enchiladas even better. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a family meal, here are some great options. They perfectly match your chicken enchiladas recipe.

Start with Mexican rice, a mix of carrots, peas, and coriander. It adds flavor and color to your meal. Another favorite is cilantro-lime rice, which gets a kick from chipotle lime paste.

For a touch of authenticity, try refried beans made with lard. Or, mix black beans with colorful veggies, chipotle paste, mayonnaise, and lime for a quick salad.

For drinks, light beers or margaritas can cut the richness of the enchiladas. Chips and salsa, with different salsas, also add flavor to your meal.

The wide range of ideal side dishes ensures your authentic chicken enchiladas stand out. From hearty rice dishes to fresh salads and bold beans, these options make your meal complete and enjoyable.

Enjoying easy chicken enchiladas leaves you with leftovers. It’s key to store them right to keep their flavor and texture. Using the right cooling methods helps a lot.

First, let the enchiladas cool down at room temperature before putting them in the fridge. This step stops them from getting soggy. Just let them rest for about 30 minutes.

After cooling, put the enchiladas in a sealed container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, use short microwave bursts or bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Freezing is another great way to keep them longer. Wrap them in plastic and foil for 6-8 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat at room temperature for an hour.

By following these steps, your chicken enchiladas will stay delicious for your next meal!

Trying out different variations can make your enchilada experience exciting. For a tasty twist, swap chicken for a mix of beans, corn, and zucchini. This change is great for vegetarians and adds color and texture to the dish.

The type of sauce you use greatly affects the taste of your enchiladas. Here’s a quick guide:

Both red and green sauces give the enchiladas a special flavor. Red sauce, made with smoky guajillo chiles and fruity ancho chiles, has a deep, smoky taste. Green sauce, made with tomatillos and green chiles, is sharper and tangier.

Choosing cheese is also key. Cheddar is common in traditional recipes. But, Monterey Jack or queso Oaxaca make the vegetarian versions creamy and delicious.

In short, whether you’re making chicken enchiladas or a vegetarian version, trying new ingredients and sauces can make a classic dish even better.

Wondering, can I use different meats? Absolutely! Enchiladas are incredibly versatile. You can use beef, pork, turkey, or even seafood. Just make sure the meat is well-cooked and seasoned.

For those with dietary restrictions, many ask, how to make it gluten-free? For gluten-free chicken enchiladas, use gluten-free tortillas. Also, replace any flour in the sauce with gluten-free options like rice flour or cornstarch. Always check labels to avoid hidden gluten.

Here are some common nutritional and storage questions:

• Can chicken enchiladas be stored? Yes, they can be kept in the refrigerator for approximately 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months when tightly wrapped.
• How long does it take to reheat? In the microwave, it takes about 3-5 minutes. In the oven, preheat to 350 degrees and reheat for 20-30 minutes.
• What is the caloric content per serving? Each serving has approximately 456 kcal, with 43g of carbohydrates, 32g of protein, and 17g of fat.

Here is a comparative table for different meat options:

Exploring the diversity of enchiladas is a culinary journey. It accommodates various tastes and dietary needs. The next time someone asks, Can I use different meats?, you’ll know how to answer and enjoy every bite!

Making easy chicken enchiladas needs careful planning from start to finish. Begin by cooking the chicken well and shredding it. Then, make your own enchilada sauce with tomatillo poblano sauce and spices for a rich flavor. Layer the chicken, cream cheese, and cheese in your enchiladas before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Don’t be afraid to try new things with your chicken enchiladas. Add jalapenos for spice, use fresh spinach and carrots for veggies, or mix different cheeses for taste. This way, you can make a dish that you and your family will love.

It’s also important to keep your enchiladas healthy. Two enchiladas have about 400-500 calories, 25-30 grams of protein, and 20-25 grams of fat. They’re quick to make, ready in about 40 minutes, including a broiler finish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them well before eating to keep the flavor and texture perfect.