Recipe For Chicken Enchiladas

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas make the best Mexican dinner ever! They’re stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese, topped with an easy red enchilada sauce and baked for 20 minutes. This homemade classic is an all-time family favorite that’s great for easy weeknight meals.

If I had to pick one Mexican recipe to represent me and the food that I grew up eating, it would have to be enchiladas!

I know it’s a bold statement, but it’s true. My parents would make them about once a week, and nobody every complained because they’re just so good!

These easy chicken enchiladas feature corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese, topped with the best enchilada sauce, and even more cheese! They’re baked until the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.

Because they’re so easy to make, I make these enchiladas about once a week. They also make a great celebratory dish for Cinco de Mayo!

To make this a well-rounded meal, here are some sides that would be great served with these chicken enchiladas:

I topped these enchiladas with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, but you could also garnish them with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, diced onions and some shredded lettuce for a little crunch!

To store enchiladas, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze enchiladas, let them cool completely in the fridge. Transfer the enchiladas to a freezer safe container or freezer bag and freeze. You can also wrap the enchiladas completely in aluminum foil and freeze.

recipe for chicken enchiladas

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

recipe for chicken enchiladas

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas make the best Mexican dinner! They’re stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese, topped with red enchilada sauce and baked.

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 2 enchiladas

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 2 enchiladas, calories 371 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 800 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 4 g, unSaturated Fat 1 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups easy enchilada sauce, (divided)
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas ((see note if using flour tortillas))
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, (divided)
  • salt and pepper, (to taste)
  • optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese

Instruction:

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/4 cup enchilada sauce and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix together and taste. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
  2. If using corn tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 1 minute, flipping the them halfway through until all of them are warm and pliable.If using flour tortillas: Microwave the tortillas on a plate for 1 minute, flipping them halfway through until all of them are warm and pliable.
  3. Assemble the enchiladas by filling each tortilla evenly with the shredded chicken mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly to close and place in large baking dish seam side down.
  4. Pour the remaining 1 3/4 cup enchilada sauce over the tortillas, top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve immediately and garnish with desired toppings.

Chicken Enchiladas

recipe for chicken enchiladas

The BEST Chicken Enchiladas! This easy chicken enchilada recipe has a delicious chicken, black bean and cheese filling. You can make my homemade enchilada sauce or use store-bought. They are full of flavor and perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd!

Prep: 25min

Total: 45min

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 enchilada

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 enchilada, calories 372 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 1300 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 6 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken*
  • 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 4 ounce can diced green chiles
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce ((about 12 ounces) homemade or store-bought)
  • 12 ounces shredded cheese ((about 3 cups) cheddar, Monterey jack, Mexican cheese blend, or a combination)
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • Optional, for serving: fresh cilantro, chopped green or red onion, sour cream, etc.

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Preheat oven to 350° F.’, ‘name’: ‘Preheat oven to 350° F.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-0-0’}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Make Enchilada Filling:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.’, ‘name’: ‘Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add the cooked chicken, black beans, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt and ½ cup of enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir until well combined.’, ‘name’: ‘Add the cooked chicken, black beans, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt and ½ cup of enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir until well combined.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-1-1’}]}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Assemble the Enchiladas:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. To assemble each enchilada, take one of the tortillas and put ½ cup of the chicken and bean mixture down the middle of the tortilla, slightly to the side of the center. Top with ⅓ cup of cheese.’, ‘name’: ‘Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. To assemble each enchilada, take one of the tortillas and put ½ cup of the chicken and bean mixture down the middle of the tortilla, slightly to the side of the center. Top with ⅓ cup of cheese.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-2-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Roll up the tortilla as tightly as you can. Put the enchilada, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas, enchilada filling and cheese.’, ‘name’: ‘Roll up the tortilla as tightly as you can. Put the enchilada, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas, enchilada filling and cheese.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-2-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Spread the remaining sauce over the tops of the enchiladas. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.’, ‘name’: ‘Spread the remaining sauce over the tops of the enchiladas. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-2-2’}]}
  4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Bake Enchiladas:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Bake enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes and then serve, with toppings as desired.’, ‘name’: ‘Bake enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes and then serve, with toppings as desired.’, ‘url’: ‘https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-enchiladas/#wprm-recipe-33738-step-3-0’}]}

Chicken Enchiladas

recipe for chicken enchiladas

My all-time favorite chicken enchilada recipe! See notes above for possible ingredient variations.

Prep: 15min

Total: 1h

Yield: 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 3 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese
  • 1 batch red enchilada sauce
  • optional toppings: fresh cilantro, chopped red onions, diced avocado, sour cream, and/or crumbled cotija cheese

Instruction:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare your enchilada sauce.
  2. In large sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add diced chicken and green chiles, and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add in the beans and stir until evenly combined. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
  3. To assemble the enchiladas, set up an assembly line including: tortillas, enchilada sauce, chicken mixture, and cheese. Lay out a tortilla, and spread two tablespoons of sauce over the surface of the tortilla. Add a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in a line down the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. Roll up tortilla and place in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Assemble the remaining enchiladas. Then spread any remaining sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas, followed by any extra cheese.
  4. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the enchiladas are cooked through and the tortillas are slightly crispy on the outside. Transfer the baking dish to a wire baking rack.
  5. Serve the enchiladas immediately while they’re nice and hot and melty, garnished with lots of fresh toppings. Enjoy!

White Chicken Enchiladas

recipe for chicken enchiladas

Creamy and filling, these white enchiladas are perfect for any family dinner! They are ready in 30 minutes, so they are perfect for any of those busy, on-the-go nights!

Prep: 10min

Total: 35min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 992 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 50 g, Fat 69 g, Saturated Fat 39 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 230 mg, Sodium 1931 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, unSaturated Fat 22 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 ounces can diced green chilies
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
  • 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces can diced green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 10 8 inch tortillas
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
  • chopped cilantro for garnish

Instruction:

  1. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter and melt. Whisk in the flour and create a roux. Slowly add in chicken broth and whisk. Add in the diced green chilis, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. Whisk until it starts to thicken and remove from heat.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl combine the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies, cumin, and Monterey cheese.
  3. Pour the sauce on top of the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Chicken Enchiladas

FAQ

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

Treat Your Tortillas Right

The most important tip for avoiding soggy enchiladas is to briefly fry your tortillas in hot oil before you fill and roll. This creates a little bit of a barrier so that the tortillas don’t soak up too much of the sauce and therefore start to break down.

What’s the best cheese to use for enchiladas?

Use a shredded Mexican cheese blend for the best melting and flavor. A rustic cut blend of 4 cheese is the best all-around cheese for enchiladas. Look for one that includes Montery Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Avoid using all cheddar as it can be too oily.

Are enchiladas better with corn or flour?

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key part of the enchilada experience, compared to flour tortillas, which are more like a blank slate.

Should I cover my enchiladas before baking?

Most enchiladas are baked and covered with foil until heated through. Oven temperatures and baking times vary per recipe, but on average they cook in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the enchiladas after they are heated through.

Do you cover enchiladas when you put them in the oven?

Roll up tortillas; place seam sides down and widthwise in ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spread with salsa; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

Do you put sauce on enchiladas before or after baking?

Top enchiladas with sauce just before baking – to prevent the enchiladas from becoming soggy, top them with the sauce only right before you are ready to bake. Cover pan with aluminum foil – make sure that the foil is sealed tightly over the pan to prevent the enchiladas from drying out.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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