Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish made with tender chicken, rolled in tortillas, and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, these enchiladas are perfect for a hearty dinner!

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Topping:

• 1 cup enchilada sauce (for topping)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Chicken Enchiladas takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté Onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Mix Chicken and Spices: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Warm Tortillas: If using corn tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
2. Fill Tortillas: Spread a little enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, and sprinkle some shredded cheese. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chicken Enchiladas (per enchilada, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	18g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Additions: Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a bit of spice or queso fresco for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Mexico to your table. Easy to prepare and customizable, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!