Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

You’ve had a long day and the thought of dinner feels daunting. Let me ease your cooking worries with this quick and easy chicken enchiladas recipe. With tender tortillas wrapped around flavorful chicken, topped with melty cheese and rich enchilada sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether cooking for a cozy family dinner or spicing up taco night, these enchiladas bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. Trust me, this recipe has become a staple in my home, and once you try it, it will likely find its way into yours too!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe special? For starters, it’s incredibly quick! In just a matter of minutes, you can take shredded chicken and a handful of ingredients to create a delightful meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s also a budget-friendly option, perfect for families or anyone looking to whip up something delicious without breaking the bank.

This dish shines during busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s kid-approved, meaning even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!

“These enchiladas are a hit at our house! Quick to prepare and so tasty, we make them at least once a week!” – Happy Home Chef

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing these Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. You start by mixing shredded chicken with some cheese and enchilada sauce.
2. Next, you fill the tortillas with this tasty mixture, roll them tightly, and place them in a baking dish.
3. A final touch is drizzling more enchilada sauce and cheese on top before they go into the oven to bake until bubbly and golden.

This recipe scales nicely for larger gatherings or can be easily halved for a smaller meal, making it versatile for any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious enchiladas:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 small tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time! If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using low-fat cheese or whole grain tortillas.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, rolling them up tightly. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired.

Best Way to Serve

These chicken enchiladas are versatile in terms of serving! They shine as a main dish, but consider pairing them with a light side salad, Mexican rice, or guacamole for a full meal. They also make a satisfying canvas for toppings like avocado slices or jalapeños, depending on your taste preferences.

Storage Tips

To keep your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas fresh, here’s what to do:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze them before baking. Just wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
• Reheat gently in the oven (best), microwave, or stovetop until heated through, ensuring a safe reach of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra kick, add some diced peppers or fresh herbs into your chicken mixture.
• Don’t skip broiling your enchiladas for a minute or two at the end of baking if you want an even crisper, golden top.
• Use homemade enchilada sauce for a richer flavor if you have the time!

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to consider!

• Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meatless meal.
• Cheesy Delight: Layer in a second type of cheese for more flavor, such as feta or pepper jack.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total prep and baking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it a fantastic quick option for dinner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead and store them in the fridge, then simply bake before serving.

What can I substitute for the chicken?

Shredded turkey, ground beef, or even a medley of sautéed vegetables work wonderfully as alternatives.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are sure to earn a spot on your table. Happy cooking!

Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A quick and comforting chicken enchiladas recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 small tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, rolling them up tightly. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding diced peppers or fresh herbs to the chicken mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 enchilada
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken enchiladas, quick dinner, easy enchiladas, Mexican food, comfort food