Food recipes banana bread recipe dinner ideas chocolate chip cookie recipe meatloaf recipe chili recipe pancake recipe french toast recipe lasagna recipe allrecipes chicken breast recipes alfredo sauce recipe beef stew recipe chicken recipes chicken salad recipe easy dinner ideas ground beef recipes mac and cheese recipe old fashioned recipe sugar cookie recipe

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas recipe

by

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table with this easy recipe for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. These creamy, cheesy, and saucy enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat. They’re simple to prepare, yet bursting with bold flavors that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or fillings to make it your own.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: A surefire hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

For the Enchiladas:

  • 10 flour tortillas
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.

2. Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Lay each tortilla flat, add a portion of shredded chicken, and top with a small handful of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Roll the tortillas tightly.

3. Add Sauce and Cheese

  1. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
  3. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the enchiladas.

4. Bake the Enchiladas

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
  3. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream on top.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Sides: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
  • With Toppings: Add guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for extra flavor.
  • For Drinks: Serve with a refreshing lime margarita or a glass of chilled horchata.

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

  • Keep Tortillas Soft: Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese works best.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas the night before and bake them fresh the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Simply shred it and season it lightly with the same spices.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish (without baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

What other cheese can I use?
Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully in this recipe.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Comfort Food

These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With their rich flavor, gooey cheese, and tender chicken, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for cozy family dinners or even meal prepping for the week!

Give this recipe a try, and let the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine light up your dinner table. 🌮

Leave a Comment