Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas: An Easy And Delicious Meal!

I have been making chicken enchiladas for years, and I have to say, they are one of my favorite dishes! I love the contrast of the crispy tortillas filled with juicy chicken, combined with the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Not only are they delicious, but the process of preparing and baking them is also a lot of fun. So if you’re looking to make a flavorful and satisfying meal with a Mexican twist, then these chicken enchiladas are the perfect dish!

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced green chiles to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
• Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
• Place a flour tortilla onto a work surface. Spread 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Roll up the tortilla and place it into the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the mixture over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
• Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 535
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 39g
• Sodium: 1045mg
• Cholesterol: 97mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

What is the origin of chicken enchiladas?

The origin of chicken enchiladas is believed to date back to the colonial era in Mexico. The traditional dish consists of tortillas filled with shredded chicken and covered in a chili pepper sauce. During this period, Spaniards mixed traditional Mayan cuisine with their own, resulting in dishes like chicken enchiladas. The combination of seasoned chicken, spicy peppers, and corn tortillas has become a staple of Mexican cuisine, enjoyed around the world.

The popularity of chicken enchiladas has grown steadily since the colonial era. In the 1960s and 1970s, Tex-Mex cuisine started to emerge with dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. This style of cuisine has since become extremely popular around the world, with many restaurants specializing in it.

Today, chicken enchiladas are found in many different variations. Some versions use ground chicken or beef, while others add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The sauce can also vary, with some recipes using a red chili sauce while others use a green chili sauce.

No matter the variation, chicken enchiladas remain an iconic dish of Mexican cuisine. The combination of flavorful ingredients, spicy peppers, and a tangy sauce make it a favorite among foodies around the world.

What are the essential ingredients for making chicken enchiladas?

Essential ingredients for making chicken enchiladas include chicken, enchilada sauce, tortillas, cheese, and any additional desired ingredients you may want to include such as peppers, onions, or spices.

When making chicken enchiladas, the first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, take a large skillet and heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until it is lightly browned. Once the chicken is cooked, add in any additional desired ingredients such as peppers, onions, or spices.

Next, reduce the heat to low and add in enchilada sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. Take a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.

Take each tortilla and fill with the chicken and sauce mixture. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side-down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas. Top with shredded cheese and any additional desired ingredients such as peppers, onions, or spices.

Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

What are the health benefits of chicken enchiladas?

The health benefits of Chicken Enchiladas are numerous and include:

• High source of protein: Chicken Enchiladas contain a high source of protein, that helps to support muscle growth and development.
• Low in fat and carbohydrates: Chicken Enchiladas are low in fat and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for anyone trying to reduce their intake of these macronutrients.
• High in vitamins and minerals: Chicken Enchiladas are a great way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. The ingredients used in the dish, including tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other spices, are all high in essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rich in dietary fiber: The beans and other ingredients used to make Chicken Enchiladas provide a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep you full for longer and aids in digestion.
• Heart-healthy: Chicken Enchiladas are a heart-healthy meal choice as they contain healthy fats and lean proteins.
• Low in calories: Chicken Enchiladas are low in calories, making them a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

How long does it take to make chicken enchiladas?

It typically takes about one hour to make a batch of chicken enchiladas.

Chicken enchiladas are a delicious, Mexican-style dish that can be enjoyed for dinner, lunch, or even as a hearty snack. To make chicken enchiladas, you will need to gather your ingredients, cook the chicken, prepare the enchilada sauce, assemble the enchiladas, and bake them. Depending on the size of your batch, the amount of time it takes to make chicken enchiladas can vary.

If you are making chicken enchiladas for a large group, prepping the ingredients can take some time. For best results, use quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and flavorful spices. Once you have the ingredients ready, you’ll need to cook the chicken. Boiling chicken is the quickest option, but you can also use other methods such as baking, grilling, or frying.

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to make the enchilada sauce. This is a simple process that involves sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in oil, then adding tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes and you’re ready to assemble the enchiladas.

Lay out a tortilla, top it with cooked chicken, vegetables, cheese, and the enchilada sauce. Roll the enchilada and place it in a baking dish. Repeat the process to make more enchiladas. Finally, bake the enchiladas in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

In total, it typically takes about one hour to make chicken enchiladas.

What are the different variations of chicken enchiladas?

There are many different variations of chicken enchiladas. Popular variations include green enchiladas, red enchiladas, white enchiladas, and even a combination of all three. Green enchiladas are made with a green sauce, typically made with tomatillos and green chiles. Red enchiladas are made with a red sauce, typically made with tomato sauce and red chiles. White enchiladas are made with a white sauce, typically made with sour cream and cheese. Finally, a combination of all three sauces is also a popular variation.

Aside from the type of sauce, chicken enchiladas can also be made with different types of fillings. Some popular fillings include chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables. The filling is usually mixed with other ingredients such as cheese, onions, and peppers. The filling is then rolled in a corn or flour tortilla and smothered in the chosen sauce.

Other variations of chicken enchiladas include adding toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. For a more traditional dish, some cooks add diced potatoes to the filling for a richer flavor.

In some regions, chicken enchiladas are also served with a side of rice and beans or a side salad. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

No matter the variation, chicken enchiladas are a delicious and popular dish. With so many different variations, there is sure to be something to please everyone.

What is the best way to serve chicken enchiladas?

The best way to serve chicken enchiladas is to bake them in the oven. This method will keep the cheese melted and the enchiladas warm and crispy.

To prepare chicken enchiladas for baking, first season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Once seasoned, sauté the chicken until it is cooked through. Next, spread a layer of Enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Place chicken and shredded cheese between two tortillas and roll them up. Place the filled tortillas in the baking dish and top with extra Enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake the enchiladas in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.

Serve the enchiladas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.