Savory And Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

I’ve been making these Chicken Enchiladas for years, and I can honestly say they are one of my all-time favorite recipes! The combination of the smoky-spicy enchilada sauce, the flavorful shreds of chicken, and the creamy cheese make for a delicious and comforting meal. I love to serve these enchiladas hot and bubbling from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. They never fail to bring a smile to my family’s faces!

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 10 soft flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Start by preparing your chicken. Place chicken breasts in a medium bowl and season with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the heat and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a thick paste.
• Add the chicken broth and stir until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes before stirring in the cheese.
• Add the cooked chicken, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro to the sauce and stir to combine.
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread half of the enchilada filling into the bottom. Place 5 tortillas on top and spread the rest of the filling over the tortillas. Top with the remaining 5 tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with diced tomatoes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 600
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 62g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 40g

What is a chicken enchilada?

A chicken enchilada is a type of Mexican dish consisting of rolled corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken, then covered in a spicy chili-based sauce and cheese and baked. Enchiladas are typically served with various accompaniments such as onion, lettuce, sour cream, or guacamole.

The origin of the chicken enchilada dates back to the late 19th century in Mexico, when the dish was first created to provide a convenient way to use up leftover chicken. Today, the dish is popular in Mexican cuisine, but it has also become a staple of American Tex-Mex cuisine.

Chicken enchiladas are usually made with a red chili-based sauce, but they can also be made with a variety of other sauces, including green chili, tomatillo, and mole. The filling can also be varied depending on the preference of the cook, with ingredients such as cooked ground beef, cooked shredded beef, cooked pork, or cooked shrimp often added.

When served, chicken enchiladas are usually garnished with shredded lettuce, diced onions, diced tomatoes, and cheese. The dish can be served as a main course or an appetizer, and is often accompanied by rice and beans. It can also be served with other accompaniments such as sour cream or guacamole.

Overall, chicken enchilada is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please. With its variety of ingredients and flavors, it makes a great meal for any occasion.

What are the benefits of eating chicken enchiladas?

The benefits of eating chicken enchiladas include:

• Nutritional value: Chicken enchiladas are an excellent source of protein, as well as various vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy meal choice.
• Versatility: Chicken enchiladas can be easily customized to your tastes and preferences. You can choose different types of cheese, fillings, and sauces to create a unique flavor.
• Ease of preparation: Chicken enchiladas are relatively easy to prepare, with most recipes taking less than an hour to complete.
• Affordability: Chicken enchiladas are a budget-friendly meal, as the ingredients are usually inexpensive and widely available.
• Tastiness: Chicken enchiladas are an incredibly delicious dish, with a variety of bold flavors that make it a favorite for many.

What tips would you recommend for making the perfect chicken enchilada?

Start by cooking the chicken. This can be done by baking, boiling, or pan-frying the chicken. Make sure to season it to your liking.

• Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks.
• Begin making the enchilada sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add chili powder, cumin, and other desired spices.
• Add canned tomatoes or tomato sauce to the pot and let it simmer.
• Take a baking dish and assemble the enchiladas by layering the tortillas, chicken, and enchilada sauce.
• Top with cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese has melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
• Serve with desired toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and/or salsa.

What are the common ingredients used in chicken enchiladas?

Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that typically consists of corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and various ingredients, then smothered in a red or green chili sauce. Common ingredients used in chicken enchiladas include shredded chicken, onions, garlic, peppers, cheese, tomatoes, and spices.

The shredded chicken is typically cooked in a chili powder-based marinade to infuse flavor. Onions, garlic, and peppers are sautéed together to add a depth of flavor to the enchiladas. Tomatoes and cheese are added for a creamy texture. Finally, spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano are added to give the enchiladas a flavorful kick.

These ingredients can be mixed together and added to the tortillas before they are rolled up and placed in a baking dish. The tortillas are then smothered in a red or green chili sauce, which gives the enchiladas their classic flavor. Once the enchiladas are cooked, they can be topped with any combination of additional ingredients such as sour cream, cheese, avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro.

In conclusion, the common ingredients used in chicken enchiladas are shredded chicken, onions, garlic, peppers, cheese, tomatoes, and spices. These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please.

How are chicken enchiladas prepared?

Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish prepared by rolling a tortilla filled with cooked chicken and cheese into a cylinder, then baking it in a sauce made with chiles, tomatoes, and seasonings. The enchilada is then topped with more cheese before being served.

To prepare chicken enchiladas, begin by gathering the necessary ingredients. These include cooked chicken, corn or flour tortillas, shredded cheese, tomatoes, chiles, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Next, prepare the enchilada sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and chiles in a pan with oil until softened. Then add tomatoes, seasonings, and a little water, and simmer until the sauce is thick and flavorful.

Now it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Then, warm the tortillas in a pan on the stove-top. Once the tortillas are softened, place each one flat on a cutting board and fill with cooked chicken and grated cheese. Roll each tortilla into a cylinder and place seam-side down in a lightly-greased baking dish.

Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the prepared sauce over the top, using enough to completely cover the enchiladas. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the chicken enchiladas cool for a few minutes, then serve with a garnish of chopped green onions and tomatoes.

What are the variations of chicken enchiladas?

There are a variety of chicken enchiladas available, including traditional Mexican red enchiladas, green enchiladas, and cheese enchiladas. Traditional Mexican red enchiladas are made by rolling corn tortillas around a filling of shredded or diced chicken, then smothering the enchiladas in a red salsa, cheese, and onions. Green enchiladas, also known as enchiladas verdes, are filled with chicken and cheese and topped with a green sauce made from tomatillos, chiles, and cilantro. Finally, cheese enchiladas are made with a cheese filling inside corn tortillas and topped with a red sauce.

In addition to these variations, there are also a number of flavor variations for chicken enchiladas. For example, some recipes include sour cream or cream cheese, while others include diced tomatoes, black beans, jalapenos, or other ingredients. Some recipes also call for a variety of different sauces such as mole, tomatillo sauce, or salsa verde.

Finally, there are also a number of different ways to cook chicken enchiladas, including baking, frying, or even grilling. Baked enchiladas are typically covered with cheese and a sauce before being cooked in the oven. Fried enchiladas are made by deep-frying the enchiladas until they are golden brown. Grilled enchiladas are made by grilling the enchiladas on a grill or griddle.

Overall, there are a variety of different chicken enchilada variations available to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer traditional Mexican red enchiladas, green enchiladas, cheese enchiladas, or something more creative, there’s sure to be a chicken enchilada recipe out there for you.

What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken enchiladas?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken enchiladas are Mexican-style rice, refried beans, and Spanish-style potatoes. Each of these sides complements the flavors of the enchiladas while providing a well-rounded meal. Mexican-style rice adds fluffy texture and a hint of spice, while refried beans and Spanish-style potatoes provide a hearty and savory accompaniment to the dish. To make a complete meal, consider adding a salad and some warm corn tortillas.

When preparing Mexican-style rice for chicken enchiladas, opt for a classic recipe that includes cumin and tomato sauce. This will provide a nice balance of flavors and textures to the dish. Refried beans are a must-have side dish, as they add protein and a creamy texture. Spanish-style potatoes are also a great addition, as they are roasted and seasoned with a variety of spices.

To complete the meal, adding a simple salad and some warm corn tortillas is a great way to round out the dish. A salad with a simple olive oil, vinegar, and salt dressing will provide a light and refreshing addition to the meal. The warm corn tortillas can be served with butter or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

The best side dishes for chicken enchiladas are Mexican-style rice, refried beans, Spanish-style potatoes, a simple salad, and warm corn tortillas. All of these sides will provide a well-rounded meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.