Easy Chicken Enchiladas Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Welcome to your new go-to recipe! These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are simple, quick, and packed with flavor. I’ll show you how to transform a few basic ingredients into a comforting meal your whole family will love. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your dinner routine, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps, so you can impress your taste buds tonight!

Ingredients

Detailed Ingredient List

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup corn kernels

– 1 cup shredded cheese

– 1 cup enchilada sauce

– 8 small tortillas

– Spices and seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)

– Garnishes (fresh cilantro, sour cream)

You need simple, fresh ingredients for these enchiladas. Start with 2 cups of cooked chicken. I love using shredded chicken. You can cook it quickly or use leftovers. Black beans add protein and fiber. Use 1 cup, and make sure to rinse them well.

Next, grab 1 cup of corn kernels. Fresh or frozen works great. Corn adds sweetness and texture. For cheese, I recommend 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar or a Mexican blend melts wonderfully.

You also need 1 cup of enchilada sauce. You can buy it or make it from scratch. Tortillas are key too. Use 8 small ones, either flour or corn. I like flour for a softer bite.

Don’t forget the spices! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Garlic powder adds a nice touch too. Use 1/2 teaspoon for flavor. Lastly, gather some garnishes. Fresh cilantro and sour cream complete the dish.

For the full recipe, check the details to make cooking easy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

– In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixed well.

Assembling the Enchiladas

– Take a tortilla and place a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center.

– Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling.

– Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

– Repeat this for the remaining tortillas.

– Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Make sure they are all coated.

– Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.

Baking Instructions

– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

– After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden.

– Once done, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Add fresh chopped cilantro on top for color and flavor.

– Serve your Sizzling Chicken Enchiladas with sour cream on the side for a creamy touch.

For more details, check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– How to shred chicken easily

To shred chicken fast, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pull the chicken apart with the forks. This method works well on warm chicken. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for big batches.

– Best practices for avoiding soggy tortillas

To keep tortillas crisp, warm them before filling. Heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. Do not soak them in sauce before rolling. This step helps keep them from getting soggy in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

– Pairing with sides like rice or beans

Chicken enchiladas pair well with rice and beans. Serve them with Mexican rice for a nice flavor balance. Refried or black beans add protein and fiber. You can also serve a fresh salad for a crunchy contrast.

– Topping options to enhance flavor

Top your enchiladas with sour cream for creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some diced avocado or jalapeños for extra taste. Consider adding a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.

Variations

Dietary Modifications

You can easily adapt this easy chicken enchiladas recipe to fit different diets.

– Gluten-free tortillas option: If you need gluten-free options, use corn tortillas. They hold the filling well and taste great. Just make sure to check the label to confirm they are gluten-free.

– Vegetarian enchiladas with beans and veggies: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for beans and veggies. Use black beans, zucchini, or bell peppers. This way, you keep the flavor while making it meat-free.

Flavor Enhancements

You can amp up the taste of your enchiladas with simple tweaks.

– Adding spices for extra kick: If you like heat, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also increase the chili powder for a bolder flavor.

– Experimenting with different cheese types: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique taste. Mixing cheeses can also create a creamy texture that makes your dish even better.

These variations help you make easy chicken enchiladas that suit your taste and dietary needs. For the full recipe, check the main section of this article!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your chicken enchiladas fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label the bag with the date.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to enjoy your enchiladas again, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This method helps keep the enchiladas moist and the cheese melty.

If you are short on time, you can also use the microwave. Place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. This helps maintain some texture but may not be as good as the oven method.

For best results, avoid reheating more than once. Repeated heating can make the enchiladas dry. Enjoy your delicious chicken enchiladas again with this simple storage and reheating guide!

FAQs

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

To make homemade enchilada sauce, you need simple ingredients. Start with:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons flour

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

– 1 cup water

– Salt to taste

In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add flour and stir for one minute. Next, add chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir to combine. Then, add the tomato sauce and water. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and use it in your enchiladas. This sauce adds rich flavor to your dish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken! It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other filling ingredients. This shortcut makes the recipe quick and easy. You can enjoy tasty enchiladas without spending hours in the kitchen.

What are common side dishes to serve with chicken enchiladas?

Common side dishes include:

– Mexican rice

– Refried beans

– Fresh guacamole

– Salsa and tortilla chips

– A green salad

These sides pair well with chicken enchiladas. They add color and flavor to your meal. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combination. You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe section.

This blog post covered making delicious chicken enchiladas. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We also explored variations for different diets and flavor preferences. Finally, I shared storage tips to keep enchiladas fresh.

In conclusion, this meal is easy and fun to prepare. You can customize it to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and share your tasty enchiladas with others!

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these Sizzling Chicken Enchiladas! This easy recipe combines shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to cheesy perfection. Perfect for a family meal or flavorful get-together, you’ll love the burst of Mexican flavors in every bite. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for presentation that will wow your guests!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)

1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

8 small flour or corn tortillas

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

To prevent sticking, spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the surface.

Take one tortilla and place a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas, making sure they are all nicely coated.

Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the enchiladas, allowing for a cheesy topping.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, creating a delicious crust.

Once finished, take the enchiladas out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve your Sizzling Chicken Enchiladas with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side for a creamy contrast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the enchiladas on a vibrant plate, drizzling some extra enchilada sauce on top for an eye-catching look, and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro for a refreshing touch.