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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, Mexican dinner, shredded chicken recipe, family dinner, easy enchiladas, baked enchiladas, enchilada sauce, comfort food