Sizzling Homestyle Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Night

Crafting the perfect chicken enchiladas requires patience and a dash of culinary creativity.

Southwest flavors dance through this classic dish, promising a delightful meal.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum satisfaction.

Authentic Mexican inspiration meets modern kitchen convenience in this recipe.

Rich, comforting layers of tender chicken and melted cheese create a memorable dining experience.

Spices blend harmoniously, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible depth.

Chicken Enchiladas Overview

• Conquer Culinary Complexity: Master a restaurant-quality dish with surprisingly simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Create a delicious dinner that satisfies diverse tastes, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses minimal cookware while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main filling of the enchiladas.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible base for wrapping the chicken mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, melty flavor and creamy texture to the dish.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic complexity to the filling.
• Chili Powder, Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano, Ground Black Pepper, Salt: Spices and herbs that create a robust and balanced flavor profile.

• Sour Cream, Tomato Sauce, Taco Sauce: Ingredients that create a creamy and tangy sauce for the enchiladas.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Water: Optional ingredient to adjust the consistency of the filling mixture.

Instructions for Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350°F. This will get everything ready for our delicious chicken enchiladas.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chicken

Sizzle the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Dried parsley
• Dried oregano
• Ground black pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Green bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Salt

Toss all these ingredients into the skillet with your chicken. Stir and let the flavors dance together until everything is well combined and the cheese melts smoothly.

Step 4: Wrap Up the Enchiladas

Scoop the chicken mixture into tortillas, rolling them up tightly. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Drizzle taco sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the cheese turns bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes, then serve up this mouthwatering meal to your hungry crowd.

Expert Tips for Chicken Enchiladas

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in a blend of lime juice, cumin, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique taste profile.
• Keep tortillas soft by warming them briefly in the microwave or on a skillet before filling to prevent cracking.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat sour cream and cheese, or swap flour tortillas with whole wheat alternatives for added nutrition.

Variations to Try on Chicken Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate chipotle peppers for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Cheese Version: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Enchiladas

• Blend zesty lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to cut through the rich, cheesy enchiladas. The bright, tangy cocktail balances the spicy and creamy flavors perfectly.
• Toss shredded cabbage with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a light vinaigrette. This crisp, vibrant side dish provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty enchiladas.
• Mix grilled corn kernels with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a creamy dressing. The smoky, slightly spicy corn complements the enchiladas' robust flavor profile and adds textural variety.

Storage Advice for Chicken Enchiladas

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• How spicy are these chicken enchiladas?

These enchiladas have a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra chili powder or include some diced jalapeños in the filling.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles. Each cheese will slightly change the overall taste of the enchiladas.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble the enchiladas later. They also reheat well, making them great for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken enchiladas bring Mexican culinary magic to dinner tables across North America. Rich, cheesy layers blend spicy chicken, tortillas, and zesty sauce for a meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 skinless (boneless chicken breasts) halves
• 1.75 cups (440 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (separated)
• 8 10-inch flour tortillas
• 1 12-oz jar taco sauce
• 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 pint (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil (additional as necessary)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
• 1/2 cup water (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the enchiladas.
2. In a nonstick skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until fully done and juices run clear, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and dice into small, uniform cubes.
4. Return chicken pieces to the skillet and combine with onion, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, parsley, oregano, and black pepper, stirring over low heat until cheese melts completely.
5. Introduce tomato sauce, green bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, and salt to the skillet mixture, stirring thoroughly. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
6. Lay out flour tortillas and distribute chicken mixture evenly, rolling each tortilla tightly and positioning seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Drizzle taco sauce uniformly across the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese becomes completely melted and slightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow enchiladas to set before serving.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for spice enthusiasts who crave extra kick.
• Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative that maintains authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving hack when preparing this recipe, reducing overall cooking time without compromising taste quality.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy texture and adding protein boost for health-conscious cooks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg