Saucy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with Melted Cheese on Top

Mexican cuisine’s beloved chicken enchiladas represent a delightful culinary symphony of flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in rich, vibrant sauce, these enchiladas capture the essence of comfort food with a zesty twist.

Authentic spices and tender, seasoned chicken create a mouthwatering combination that crafts an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

The harmonious blend of ingredients speaks to generations of traditional cooking methods passed down through family kitchens.

Layers of complex flavors emerge from carefully selected components that elevate this dish beyond simple weeknight fare.

Each bite promises a satisfying journey through robust, carefully balanced seasonings that make chicken enchiladas a true crowd-pleaser.

Passionate home cooks and food enthusiasts will find this recipe an irresistible invitation to culinary creativity.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: These chicken enchiladas burst with bold southwestern spices like chili powder and cumin, creating a mouthwatering blend that transforms simple ingredients into an exciting meal that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible ingredients like black beans and green chiles allow easy personalization, letting home cooks adjust spice levels and add favorite toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, or avocado to match individual preferences and create a unique dining experience.
• One-Pan Wonder with Minimal Cleanup: Using a single skillet for filling and a baking dish for assembly means less kitchen mess, making this recipe not just delicious but also incredibly convenient for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal dishwashing.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the dish, shredded or diced from pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works best.
• Black Beans: Adds extra protein and texture, canned beans are convenient and work perfectly.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano: Classic Mexican spice blend that creates depth and authentic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other seasonings.

• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas provide the wrap for the enchiladas, soft and pliable tortillas are ideal.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the filling.
• Green Chiles: Adds mild heat and additional complexity to the chicken mixture.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and traditional red sauce flavor, store-bought or homemade works well.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, shredded Mexican blend or cheddar recommended.

How to Roll and Bake Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F or 175°C, getting ready for a delicious Mexican feast.

Step 2: Create Tasty Filling

• Onion (cook until soft)
• Garlic (stir briefly)

• Cooked chicken
• Black beans
• Diced green chiles
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Enchilada sauce

Step 3: Construct Enchilada Layers

• Place tortilla on flat surface
• Spoon chicken mixture down center
• Sprinkle cheese
• Roll tightly
• Position seam-side down in baking dish

Repeat until all tortillas are filled. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Cook in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Allow 5 minutes to rest before serving.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

Dive into your homemade Chicken Enchiladas and enjoy a flavor explosion!

Tips for Moist Chicken Enchiladas

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and even texture in your enchiladas.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Warm enchilada sauce slightly before spreading to ensure smooth, even coverage and better absorption into tortillas.
• Roll Tortillas Tightly: Gently warm corn tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and create compact, neat enchiladas that hold together beautifully.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Reserve some cheese for topping to create a golden, melted crust that adds delicious crispy edges and visual appeal.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, allowing personalization of the recipe's flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Enchiladas

• Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. For frozen enchiladas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Microwave as a quick alternative, but the oven maintains better texture and taste.

Salsas and Sides for Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the rich, spicy enchiladas with a classic margarita made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim. The citrusy brightness cuts through the dish's richness perfectly.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage slaw with cilantro, lime, and a touch of jalapeño to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
• Match with Refreshing Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the enchiladas' bold flavors. The cold, crisp beer helps cool down the spicy notes and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Add Cooling Guacamole: Prepare a creamy avocado guacamole with diced tomatoes and onions. Its smooth texture and mild flavor provide a perfect counterpoint to the spicy, hearty enchiladas.

Chicken Enchiladas Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Enchiladas: Replace chicken with a mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a plant-based version packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich black beans.
• Seafood Shrimp Enchiladas: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp, adding a coastal twist with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for bright, zesty flavors.
• Spicy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Increase the heat by using hot green chiles, adding extra chili powder, and topping with sliced jalapeños for those who love a fiery kick.
• Breakfast Enchilada Remix: Transform the recipe by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and pepper jack cheese, creating a morning meal that packs a punch.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken enchiladas bring spicy comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Rich corn tortillas wrapped around tender seasoned chicken create a mouthwatering meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 ounces (113 grams) diced green chiles (do not drain)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt

Base and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (16 ounces/454 grams) enchilada sauce
• 12 ounces (340 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, Mexican cheese blend, or a combination)
• 8 large flour tortillas

Optional, for serving: fresh cilantro, chopped green or red onion, sour cream, avocado, pico de gallo

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, creating an ideal environment for baking the enchiladas.
2. In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Combine shredded chicken, black beans, green chiles, and a blend of robust spices into the skillet mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed.
5. Pour a portion of enchilada sauce into the mixture, creating a cohesive and flavorful filling that will tantalize taste buds.
6. Prepare the baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray and spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom.
7. Carefully lay out a tortilla and generously fill the center with the prepared chicken and bean mixture, leaving room for precise rolling.
8. Sprinkle a handful of cheese over the filling, which will melt and add creamy richness to each enchilada.
9. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
10. Arrange each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a neat and orderly presentation.
11. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring each enchilada is thoroughly coated and will develop a delectable crust.
12. Generously scatter the remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, bubbling topping.
13. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and the edges become slightly crispy.
14. Allow the enchiladas to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
15. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth enchilada assembly.
• Choose rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quick and convenient filling that saves time and adds rich flavor.
• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier wrapping.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for those who enjoy spicier meals.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture in the enchiladas.
• Serve with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado to enhance the overall taste and presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg