The Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting the best ever chicken enchiladas recipe demands passion and a touch of culinary magic.

Mexican cuisine inspires bold flavors that dance across your palate with every bite.

Tender shredded chicken nestles between soft tortillas, creating layers of mouthwatering comfort.

Zesty spices and melted cheese promise a dining experience that transcends ordinary meals.

Regional ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple components into an extraordinary dish.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality sensation with a few clever techniques.

Let’s unlock the secrets to enchilada perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creative Ways To Switch Up Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat for an ocean-inspired version. Mix seafood with cream cheese and green onions for extra richness.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace chicken with roasted black beans, sweet corn, and sautéed bell peppers. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients and a vibrant green color.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños to the filling. Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery flavor profile that will wake up taste buds.
• Green Chile Fusion: Use only green enchilada sauce instead of red. Incorporate roasted green chiles throughout the filling and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern experience.

Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe FAQs Answered

• What makes this enchilada sauce different from store-bought versions?

The homemade sauce uses a roux base with flour and spices, creating a deeper, more complex flavor than premade sauces. Blooming the spices before adding liquid intensifies their taste and provides a richer, more authentic Mexican-style sauce.

• Can I use different types of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Shredded beef, pulled pork, or even black beans work great as alternative protein options. Just ensure the meat is cooked and seasoned well before mixing with cheese and other filling ingredients.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from breaking while rolling?

Warm the tortillas slightly before filling them – either in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or by quickly passing them over a gas flame. Warmer tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling the enchiladas.

• Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily control spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños. For less heat, reduce chili powder; for more kick, add extra spices or fresh hot peppers.

Why Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Brings Big Flavor

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality enchiladas in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for beef, adding extra spices, or making it vegetarian with black beans, giving you endless delicious possibilities.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, saucy goodness that's both familiar and exciting, making mealtime a delightful shared experience without complicated preparation.
• Maximize Leftover Magic: Transform leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken into a completely new meal, reducing food waste and saving time on meal prep with this versatile recipe.

All You Need For Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Tortillas: Soft and flexible base for wrapping the flavorful chicken filling, corn or flour tortillas work well.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the main substance and flavor of the enchiladas, best when tender and seasoned.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy melting element that adds richness and helps bind the filling, choose a mild cheddar or Mexican blend.
• Enchilada Sauce: Flavorful red sauce that defines the dish's character, homemade version offers deeper taste.

• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and bright pepper flavor, optional but recommended for depth.
• Sour Cream: Provides creamy texture and tangy undertone to the filling, can be mixed in or used as a topping.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential spice blend that creates authentic Mexican-style flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for creating the sauce roux and adding subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base for creating smooth, rich enchilada sauce.
• Sugar: Helps balance the sauce's flavor and reduce acidity.

• Cilantro, Green Onions, Tomatoes: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and additional flavor layers.

Easy-To-Follow Steps For Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Craft Magical Sauce

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Let the spices sizzle for a quick 30 seconds. Slowly pour in chicken broth and a touch of sugar, whisking constantly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside your flavor masterpiece.

Step 2: Create Chicken Filling Wonderland

• Shredded chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Diced green chilies
• Sour cream

Pour in a splash of the sauce you just created and mix until everything becomes best friends.

Step 3: Build Enchilada Magic

Warm up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish like a cozy blanket. Take each tortilla and spoon in the chicken mixture. Roll them up snugly, tucking in the edges, and place them seam-side down in the dish.

Step 4: Unleash Cheesy Goodness

Drizzle the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese on top, creating a golden blanket. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly perfection.

Step 5: Serve With Celebration

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Extra sour cream

Serve alongside rice, beans, or a crisp salad. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips To Make Your Chicken Enchiladas Extra Cheesy

• Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust chili powder quantity to control heat level, perfect for spice-sensitive palates or heat-loving enthusiasts.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother, more consistent melting and enhanced flavor profile.
• Boost Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with black beans, pulled pork, or shredded beef to create delightful variations for different dietary preferences.
• Enhance Tortilla Quality: Warm tortillas briefly in microwave or skillet before filling to prevent cracking and improve rollability for seamless enchilada preparation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time for perfect meal planning.

Best Way To Store Chicken Enchiladas Like A Pro

• Refrigerate leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep them fresh for 3-4 days by storing in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the quality of your delicious meal.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• When reheating, place enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas tough and compromise the overall taste.
• Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving reheated enchiladas to ensure food safety.

Go-To Sides With Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Sip Mexican Sangria: Craft a refreshing Mexican sangria with red wine, fresh citrus fruits like oranges and limes, a splash of brandy, and a hint of cinnamon to complement the spicy enchilada flavors.
• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec, rimmed with salt to balance the rich, cheesy enchiladas and cut through the hearty chicken filling.
• Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice cooked with fresh cilantro, lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice to add a bright, tangy side that enhances the enchilada's complex spices.
• Cool Down with Mexican Slaw: Whip up a crisp cabbage slaw with jalapeños, lime juice, and a touch of honey to provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy enchiladas.

Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets Mexican cuisine in these mouthwatering chicken enchiladas packed with zesty flavors and creamy cheese. Melted goodness and tender chicken rolled in warm tortillas promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (300 grams) cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 8–10 flour or corn tortillas

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a robust enchilada sauce by whisking flour in heated olive oil until golden, then activate aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder for maximum flavor intensity.
2. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and a touch of sugar, stirring consistently until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
3. Create a harmonious filling by combining tender shredded chicken with melted cheese, zesty green chilies, and creamy sour cream. Integrate a portion of the prepared sauce to enhance moisture and depth.
4. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation for the upcoming dish.
5. Carefully distribute the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, rolling tightly to ensure compact, uniform enchiladas. Arrange them strategically in the sauce-lined baking dish, positioning seams downward.
6. Lavishly coat the assembled enchiladas with remaining sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
7. Generously sprinkle additional cheese over the top, creating a golden, melted crust during baking.
8. Bake until the cheese bubbles and transforms into a beautiful golden-brown landscape, typically requiring 20-25 minutes of oven time.
9. Allow the enchiladas a brief resting period to stabilize and intensify flavors.
10. Embellish with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.
11. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like fluffy rice, hearty beans, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Select high-quality chicken for maximum flavor, preferably using freshly shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños or hot sauce according to personal spice preference.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or queso fresco for unique taste profiles.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce and choosing gluten-free tortillas.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg