Introduction
Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. These enchiladas are filled with tender chicken and topped with a rich, creamy sauce, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– shredded cooked chicken: 3 cups
– black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– corn: 1 cup
– salsa: 1 cup
– flour tortillas: 8 (8-inch)
– shredded cheese: 2 cups (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– sour cream: 1 cup
– green onions: 2, sliced
– cilantro: for garnish
Prep Time
The prep time for this chicken enchilada recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering all the ingredients, shredding the chicken, and assembling the enchiladas.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is about 25 minutes. In total, from start to finish, you can expect to spend around 40 minutes preparing these flavorful chicken enchiladas. This recipe yields about 8 enchiladas, serving approximately 4-6 people depending on appetite. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until they are fully cooked. This should take about 8-10 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.
Make the Sauce
In a blender, combine diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and a bit of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. In a skillet, heat olive oil and pour in the blended sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine Filling Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the prepared sauce, black beans, corn, 1 cup of cheese, and cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Prepare Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tortilla and add a generous scoop of the chicken filling along the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the dish, pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce.
Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. Garnish with additional cilantro, diced avocado, or any toppings of your choice before serving.
Notes
Chicken Options
You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative. Just shred the pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
Tortilla Suggestions
Feel free to use corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference. If using corn tortillas, consider warming them in a pan first to make them more pliable.
Storage
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a microwave until heated through.
Freezing Enchiladas
These enchiladas freeze well. Assemble them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Cook techniques
Making the Enchilada Sauce
To create a delicious enchilada sauce, combine ingredients such as tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer the mixture to help the flavors meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce.
Building the Enchiladas
Once the sauce is ready, take a tortilla and fill it with a mixture of cooked chicken, cheese, and additional spices. Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling stays secured inside.
Baking the Enchiladas
Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish and pour additional sauce on top. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the enchiladas are heated through.
Serving the Enchiladas
Once baked, let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the enchiladas?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for saving time and adding flavor to your enchiladas.
Are these enchiladas easy to customize?
Absolutely! You can customize your enchiladas by adding different vegetables, beans, or using a different protein.
What type of tortillas is best for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
Can I prepare enchiladas in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cook them when you are ready to serve.
How do I store leftover enchiladas?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Conclusion
This chicken enchilada recipe is a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Their versatility allows for a variety of fillings and sauces, making it easy to customize to your taste preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Enchiladas
Try replacing the chicken with a mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Seafood Enchiladas
Substitute chicken for shrimp or crab to bring a coastal twist to the traditional enchilada.
Breakfast Enchiladas
Fill the tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and chorizo for a hearty breakfast dish.
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Incorporate green chiles into the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Enchiladas
Add layers of cheese between the tortillas and on top for an extra gooey and comforting dish.
Slow Cooker Enchiladas
Prepare a slow cooker version for a hands-off approach to this classic meal, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.