Chicken enchiladas are a delightful blend of Mexican flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked to perfection. This recipe, designed for four servings, combines tender shredded chicken with a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. The result is a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these enchiladas bring a burst of flavor and warmth to the table. Serve them with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (from about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and heated through.
- Mix in the Enchilada Sauce:
- Add 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and the sour cream to the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine, creating a creamy and flavorful filling. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, ensuring all the tortillas are covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake the Enchiladas:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a tangy kick.
- Optional toppings include extra sour cream, sliced avocado, or diced tomatoes.
These chicken enchiladas are perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal that can be prepared with ease. Enjoy them with family or friends, and savor the taste of this classic Mexican comfort food.
