If you are craving comfort food that comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor, you will love this Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite without requiring a ton of prep or fancy ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful color contrast that makes the enchiladas as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: A hearty base that soaks up all the vibrant seasonings perfectly.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey, melty texture that binds the dish.
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The star liquid that brings a rich, tangy, and mildly spicy zest.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tenderizes the filling beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a gentle smoky heat that’s essential for authentic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Contributes warmth and earthiness that complements the chicken excellently.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the overall savory profile with a subtle bite.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: The perfect handheld vessels, soft but sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): Freshness and a mild crunch for garnishing.
- Chopped cilantro and extra sour cream for topping (optional): Adds bright herbal notes and cooling creaminess.
How to Make Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your enchiladas don’t stick and come out beautifully golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with ½ cup of the enchilada sauce, ½ cup of shredded cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined, creamy, and packed with flavor. This combination ensures every bite has a balanced taste of creaminess, spice, and tender chicken.
Step 3: Roll the Enchiladas
Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly to form a cozy casserole. This helps the enchiladas hold their shape and absorb the delicious sauce as they bake.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure every inch is covered to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top to create that signature golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the filling heat through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch to your enchiladas by topping them with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. A dollop of extra sour cream on the side or right on top adds a lovely cooling creaminess that balances the spices. These garnishes brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with a fresh crisp salad, Mexican-style rice, or refried beans for a complete feast. Light, fresh sides provide balance to the rich, cheesy enchiladas, making your meal both hearty and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve individual enchiladas on warm plates layered with extra sauce and sprinkle a blend of cheeses and fresh herbs on top. Alternatively, serve family-style right from the baking dish, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish offers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful, if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covered with foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months. This makes meal prep easy and convenient for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions but be careful not to overheat, so the chicken stays tender and the cheese remains creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor, making this recipe even easier to pull together on busy days.
What type of tortillas work best for enchiladas?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Flour tortillas give a softer, creamier texture, while corn tortillas add a bit more traditional flavor and a firmer bite. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of both, and you have a delicious vegetarian version of this Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.
Is there a way to add more veggies to this recipe?
Definitely. You can mix sautéed onions, bell peppers, corn, or beans into the filling. These additions add texture, nutrition, and a fresh burst of flavor.
How spicy is this Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced, making it friendly for most palates. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add jalapeños if you want a bit more kick!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in so many kitchens—because good food should always be simple, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Print
Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 enchiladas per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This easy chicken enchiladas recipe combines shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese wrapped in tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these enchiladas offer a comforting Mexican-American casserole experience with optional toppings like green onions, cilantro, and sour cream to add freshness and creaminess.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Enchiladas
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Remaining ½ cup red enchilada sauce (from 1 (10 oz) can)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (remaining from 1½ cups total)
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Extra sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup of enchilada sauce, ½ cup of shredded cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble enchiladas: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll each tortilla up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top to fully cover the dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to begin melting.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with slight browning on top.
- Rest and garnish: Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and extra sour cream if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save prep time and add extra flavor.
- Add sautéed onions, beans, or corn into the filling for more texture and variety.
- Customize toppings to your taste, such as avocado slices or jalapeños for extra spice.
