Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Introduction

Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of hearty, savory flavors in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken wrapped in soft corn tortillas, all smothered in a rich, smoky, tangy enchilada sauce and topped with a blanket of gooey melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these enchiladas make a satisfying meal for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a celebratory gathering, or a casual get-together.

The first time I made these enchiladas, I was amazed at how easily they came together and how flavorful they turned out. From simmering the sauce to assembling the tortillas and chicken, it was a breeze, but the end result was nothing short of spectacular. The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and cheese as they baked, and they were gone in no time.

What I love most about these Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas is their versatility. You can customize the fillings to suit your taste, whether you prefer adding sautéed veggies, a kick of heat with jalapeños, or extra cheese for an even more indulgent treat. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Once you make these enchiladas, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for delicious, hearty meals that everyone will love.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Weeknight meals
Mexican-themed parties
Potlucks
Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas will become your new favorite dish:

Tender Chicken: The chicken is perfectly cooked and seasoned, giving the enchiladas a juicy and flavorful base.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce: This recipe includes a delicious homemade enchilada sauce that elevates the dish with rich, smoky flavor.
Cheesy Goodness: A generous amount of melted cheese is layered inside and sprinkled on top for a gooey, satisfying bite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, this dish is straightforward to prepare.
Perfect for Leftovers: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish a great make-ahead option.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas:

For the Chicken Enchiladas:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken or homemade chicken for ease and extra flavor.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a perfect balance of meltiness and flavor.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce: A homemade sauce gives you full control over the flavor, offering a smoky, slightly spicy finish.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas hold up well to the sauce and create an authentic enchilada experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:

Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Make the Roux: Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the Broth and Tomato Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, ensuring there are no lumps.
Season the Sauce: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Season the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Enchiladas:

Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable, about 15-20 seconds each.
Fill the Tortillas: Spread a small amount of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a tortilla on a plate, spoon some of the chicken mixture down the center, and sprinkle with a little cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Bake the Enchiladas:

Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.

How to Serve

On a Plate: Serve enchiladas on a plate, topped with your favorite garnishes for a complete meal.
With Sides: Pair with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Taco Style: Serve the enchiladas open-faced, like tacos, for a fun twist.
For Meal Prep: Store individual portions in airtight containers for an easy lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Fill the tortillas with just enough chicken to avoid spilling when rolling.
Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Spicy Sauce: If you like a spicier sauce, add some diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Recipe Variations

Beef Enchiladas: Use ground beef instead of chicken for a hearty twist.
Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
Green Chile Enchiladas: Use a green enchilada sauce and swap the chicken for shredded pork.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: Add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the chicken filling for extra creaminess.
Cheese-Only Enchiladas: For a simpler option, make cheese enchiladas by omitting the chicken and adding extra cheese.
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or use hot salsa in the filling for a spicy kick.
Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas: Add fresh spinach to the chicken filling for a healthy twist.
Slow Cooker Enchiladas: Assemble the enchiladas in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Breakfast Enchiladas: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage in place of chicken for a breakfast version.
Barbecue Chicken Enchiladas: Use barbecue sauce instead of enchilada sauce for a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish
Skillet
Small Saucepan for Sauce
Tongs or Spatula
Foil for Covering

FAQ

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn? Yes, you can use flour tortillas if preferred, but corn tortillas add a more authentic flavor.
Can I make the enchiladas spicy? Yes, add chopped jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce to kick up the heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate overnight before baking, or freeze for later use.
What’s the best way to shred chicken? Use two forks to shred cooked chicken, or a stand mixer with

the paddle attachment for quick shredding.
5. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

The Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese. With easy preparation and endless customization options, these enchiladas are ideal for any occasion. You can even make them ahead, making them a convenient and hearty dish for busy days or gatherings.

Whether you serve them with classic sides like rice, beans, and guacamole or add your favorite toppings like sour cream and cilantro, these enchiladas are sure to be a family favorite. The cheesy, saucy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds!

I can’t wait to see how you make these Chicken Enchiladas your own! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version of this recipe. Don’t forget to share any tips or variations in the comments. Happy cooking!