Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: A Delicious Mexican Dinner Idea

Making chicken enchiladas at home is easier than you think. This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Ingredients:

For the chicken filling:

- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the enchiladas:

- 8 large flour tortillas

- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

- 2 cups red enchilada sauce

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and let it cool. When cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks.

2. In the same pan, cook chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add shredded chicken back to the pan with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. Place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of the chicken. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over all the rolled tortillas. Make sure all tortillas are covered with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

7. Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

Follow these helpful tips to make your chicken enchiladas taste amazing every time. These simple tricks will help you avoid common mistakes and create the best possible dish.

- Use the Right Tortillas: Choose fresh, soft flour tortillas that bend easily without breaking. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before filling them. This makes them more flexible and easier to roll.

- Don't Overfill the Tortillas: Put just enough filling in each tortilla so you can roll it tightly. Too much filling will make the tortillas break or fall apart. About 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla is perfect.

- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well as freshly shredded cheese. Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself for the best melting and taste.

- Let the Chicken Cool Before Shredding: Hot chicken is hard to shred and can burn your hands. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, then use two forks to pull it apart into small pieces.

- Cover with Foil While Baking: This prevents the tortillas from getting too crispy or dry. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to brown the cheese on top.

- Rest Before Serving: Let the enchiladas sit for 5 minutes after baking. This helps them hold their shape when you cut and serve them.

Complete your Mexican meal with these delicious side dishes. Each one pairs perfectly with chicken enchiladas and adds variety to your dinner table.

- Mexican Rice: This seasoned rice dish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It soaks up the enchilada sauce and adds a mild, comforting flavor to your meal.

- Refried Beans: These creamy, mashed beans are a classic Mexican side dish. They provide protein and fiber while balancing the rich flavors of the enchiladas.

- Fresh Guacamole: Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, and cilantro, guacamole adds freshness to your plate. The creamy texture and mild taste complement the spicy enchilada sauce perfectly.

- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This colorful salad combines corn kernels with mayo, lime, and chili powder. It brings a sweet and tangy flavor that works well with the savory enchiladas.

- Black Bean Salad: Mix black beans with diced tomatoes, onions, and lime dressing for a healthy side. This protein-rich salad adds texture and nutrition to your Mexican feast.

- Cilantro Lime Rice: This light and fluffy rice is flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice. It provides a fresh, citrusy taste that brightens up the rich enchilada flavors.

- Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crispy chips with fresh tomato salsa make a perfect starter or side. They add crunch to your meal and help you enjoy every drop of enchilada sauce.

- Mexican Coleslaw: This crunchy cabbage salad is dressed with lime and cilantro. It provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.