Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful dinner combining tender shredded chicken and a gooey cheese blend wrapped in soft tortillas and baked in a rich, savory enchilada sauce. Quick to prepare, family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for make-ahead meals, this dish offers vibrant colors and bold flavors in every bite.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free corn tortillas and verified sauce)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sour cream (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Shred leftover or rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a pan until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir in half of the enchilada sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese, mixing gently until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat until the dish is full.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring each one is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optionally sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Warm your tortillas briefly before assembling to make them pliable and prevent tearing.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to avoid spilling during baking.
- Use a generous amount of enchilada sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- Combine sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack for the perfect gooey cheese texture.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, Mexican dinner, shredded chicken recipe, family dinner, easy enchiladas, baked enchiladas, enchilada sauce, comfort food