Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Making a delicious dinner at home can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially after a long day. But fear not! The Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are here to save the day. These cheesy, hearty, and flavorful enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love.
This dish is not just tasty; it is also versatile and easy to customize. You can use leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken, which makes the preparation quicker. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these enchiladas will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas. First, they are incredibly fun to eat. Roll up warm tortillas filled with flavorful chicken and cheese, then dive into a plateful of gooey goodness. Here are more reasons to consider:
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love enchiladas. They are cheesy, soft, and easy to hold. Plus, you can get your children involved in the kitchen by letting them help roll the tortillas.
Make Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake them. They make excellent leftovers too.
Flavor Options: While the recipe highlights chicken, you can easily switch up ingredients to suit your tastes. Use ground beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from veggies (like onions), enchiladas can be a balanced meal option when served with a side salad or vegetables.
Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas. Add your favorite spices or vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Simple Steps: The cooking process is easy to follow, and the end result is gratifying. Within an hour, you’ll have a scrumptious dish ready on your table.
Now, let’s get into how you can make these enchiladas at home!
How to Make Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
To ensure you make the best enchiladas, follow these simple instructions closely. Gather all your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your enchiladas will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce and half of the grated cheese. If you are using onions, you can add them now as well. Mix everything well with a spoon until it is fully combined.
Fill the Tortillas: Take a small spoonful of the chicken mixture and place it inside each tortilla. Roll them tightly, and then place them seam side down in a greased baking dish. The tight roll helps keep everything inside as they bake.
Pour the Sauce: Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Be sure to cover all the tortillas, so they don’t dry out while baking. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that gooey finishing touch.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, turning a beautiful golden brown.
Serve: After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve the enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream on the side. If you like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for color and freshness.
How to Serve Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Serving enchiladas can be as creative as making them. Here are some ideas for serving:
Plate Up: Serve individual portions on plates topped with extra enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
Side Dishes: Pair your enchiladas with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans to make the meal more filling.
Toppings: Set up a toppings bar where your guests can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, or avocado to personalize their plates.
Family Style: Serve the whole baking dish to the table and let everyone serve themselves. This approach adds a communal feel to your meal.
How to Store Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Storing leftovers properly can extend the life of your delicious enchiladas. Here are tips on how to store them:
Cool Down: Allow leftover enchiladas to cool down at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. This prevents excess moisture in the storage container.
Use Airtight Containers: Place the enchiladas in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate or Freeze:
- Refrigeration: Keep the enchiladas in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track.
Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it might take longer, so keep an eye on them.
Tips to Make Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your enchiladas turn out perfect every time:
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. This cuts down on prep time.
Heat Tortillas: Gently heating tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side can make them more pliable, making them easier to roll without tearing.
Sauce It Up: If you like spice, consider mixing some diced green chilies or hot sauce into the chicken mixture or on top of the enchiladas.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco can all work well for different tastes.
Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding some shredded zucchini or spinach to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variation
This recipe is very flexible. You can easily create variations to suit different dietary preferences:
Vegetarian Enchiladas: Substitute the chicken with black beans, corn, or any vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Beef Enchiladas: Replace the chicken with cooked ground beef for a classic beef enchilada.
Cheese Enchiladas: For a simpler option, you can make cheese enchiladas by omitting the chicken entirely and filling the tortillas with cheese along with some enchilada sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas are a fantastic alternative. They offer a different flavor and texture, and they are gluten-free.
2. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking from cold.
3. What is the best way to reheat leftover enchiladas?
The best way to reheat enchiladas is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures they stay soft and the cheese remains melted.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas with friends and family! Enjoy the cooking and the delicious results.
Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce and half of the grated cheese. Mix well.
- Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture and fill each tortilla, rolling them tightly, and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving with sour cream and chopped cilantro.