Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas: A Delicious Mexican-Inspired Meal!

I love trying new recipes and one of my favorites is my family’s Chicken Enchiladas. We’ve been making them for years and it’s something I always look forward to. It’s a simple dish, but the combination of flavors is truly extraordinary. The enchiladas are stuffed with a delicious mix of chicken, peppers, onion and cheese, then smothered in a savory enchilada sauce. I always make sure to make enough for leftovers because they’re even better the next day. So if you’re looking for a flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare, you’ve got to try my family’s Chicken Enchiladas.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to combine. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until it is heated through.
• In a bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of the cheese.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some oil.
• Dip a corn tortilla into the enchilada sauce and cheese mixture and place it in the baking dish.
• Add some of the chicken mixture to the tortilla, followed by some tomatoes and black olives.
• Sprinkle with some of the remaining cheese and roll the tortilla up.
• Place the enchilada in the baking dish, seam side down.
• Repeat these steps with the remaining ingredients until you have 8 enchiladas.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
• Sprinkle the top of the enchiladas with the cilantro and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 544
• Total fat: 24g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 97mg
• Sodium: 1409mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 33g

What is a chicken enchilada?

A chicken enchilada is a Mexican dish made with a corn tortilla filled with chicken, cheese, and other ingredients, and then baked in a chili sauce. It is a popular dish in Tex-Mex cuisine, and typically served with Mexican rice, beans, and a side of guacamole or sour cream.

A classic chicken enchilada is made with shredded or diced cooked chicken, grated cheese, and a tomato-based chili sauce. The ingredients are wrapped in a corn tortilla and then baked in the sauce until the cheese melts and the tortilla is soft. The enchilada is then topped with additional melted cheese, fresh herbs, and diced tomatoes.

Variations of the dish can include different types of cheese, vegetables such as bell peppers or onions, and other ingredients such as black beans, olives, and jalapeños. The enchilada can also be topped with a variety of condiments, such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and easy to make meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. They are also a popular item on the menus of many Mexican restaurants.

What are the benefits of eating chicken enchiladas?

The benefits of eating chicken enchiladas are plentiful. They are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Here are some of the main benefits of eating chicken enchiladas:

• Healthy: Chicken enchiladas are a great source of healthy protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also lower in fat and calories than other Mexican dishes.
• Versatile: Chicken enchiladas can be customized to suit any taste. You can add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a unique dish.
• Quick and Easy: Chicken enchiladas are a quick and easy meal to prepare. You can make them in advance and freeze them for later, or cook them on the spot.
• Economical: Chicken enchiladas are an affordable and filling meal. You can feed a family of four for less than $.
• Delicious: Chicken enchiladas are a flavorful and delicious meal. The combination of ingredients and spices creates a tantalizing flavor that is sure to please the palate.

These are just a few of the many benefits of eating chicken enchiladas. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal or an economical dinner option, chicken enchiladas are a great choice.

What are the different types of chicken enchiladas?

There are several different types of chicken enchiladas that one can enjoy. The most popular type is the classic chicken enchilada, which is typically made with a tomato-based sauce, shredded chicken, and cheese, all rolled up in a corn tortilla. Other popular versions include green chicken enchiladas, which are made with a green sauce, and creamy chicken enchiladas, which feature a white sauce. Additionally, there are versions that include a variety of vegetables and other ingredients such as black beans, jalapeños, and other spices. Regardless of the type, all chicken enchiladas are sure to be a delicious and filling meal.

What is the best way to cook chicken enchiladas?

The best way to cook chicken enchiladas is to first prepare the ingredients. Begin by pre-cooking the chicken, either by boiling or baking it. Next, you will need to prepare the sauce by combining canned enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium-sized pot. Finally, assemble the enchiladas by laying out a few tortillas and filling them with the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and diced onion.

Once the enchiladas are assembled, pour the sauce over them and bake them in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve your delicious chicken enchiladas with a side of your favorite Mexican toppings, like guacamole and sour cream.

What are common ingredients in chicken enchiladas?

Chicken enchiladas are a Mexican dish composed of soft tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, cheese, cream, tomato sauce, onions, and chilis.

The most common ingredients in chicken enchiladas are shredded chicken, cheese, and cream. Shredded chicken is typically used in enchiladas because it is easier to fill the tortillas with and holds together better than larger chunks of chicken. The shredded chicken is usually combined with grated cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, and a creamy sauce such as sour cream or cream cheese.

Onions and tomatoes are also popular additions to chicken enchiladas, as they add flavor and texture to the dish. The onions can be diced and sautéed in a pan before being added to the enchiladas. Tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, can be blended into a salsa or used as a topping for the enchiladas.

Chilis are another important ingredient in chicken enchiladas. These can be fresh or canned, and can be used as a topping or blended into the enchilada sauce. The chili will add a spicy kick to the dish, and can be adjusted to taste.

In addition to these ingredients, chicken enchiladas can be garnished with a variety of toppings, including sour cream, cilantro, olives, and jalapenos. These toppings can be used to add flavor and texture to the dish, as well as providing a colorful presentation.

Overall, chicken enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The most common ingredients include shredded chicken, cheese, cream, onions, tomatoes, and chilis, but the possibilities are endless. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

What are some creative ways to serve chicken enchiladas?

Chicken enchiladas are a classic, delicious dish that can be served in a variety of creative ways. Here are some ideas for how to make your enchiladas stand out from the crowd:

• Create a Mexican-style fiesta with a topping bar. Set out a variety of toppings such as guacamole, diced tomatoes, diced onions, cilantro, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, and salsa so each person can customize their enchiladas to their own tastes.
• Give the enchiladas a more southwestern flair by adding black beans, corn, and bell peppers to the filling.
• Get creative with the sauce. Try using a different type of salsa or mix together several different kinds to create a unique flavor. You can also add spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano, to give the enchiladas an extra kick.
• Bake the enchiladas in an oven-safe skillet. This allows you to serve the enchiladas in a unique way, and it is also much easier to transport the dish for a potluck or other gathering.
• Add a layer of tortilla chips to the top of the enchiladas. This creates a crunchy topping that adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy enchiladas.

These are just a few creative ways to serve chicken enchiladas. With a little thought and experimentation, you can find the perfect way to serve up this classic dish.

How can you make chicken enchiladas healthier?

You can make chicken enchiladas healthier by using a few simple substitutions and additions.

One of the easiest ways to make chicken enchiladas healthier is to use whole-wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour. The whole-grain tortillas are lower in fat and calories and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, they provide a heartier, more flavorful dish.

Another way to make chicken enchiladas healthier is to use lean, skinless chicken breasts. They are lower in fat and calories than dark meat and are an excellent source of protein. If you are looking to reduce your saturated fat intake, be sure to trim away any visible fat.

You can also make chicken enchiladas healthier by adding more vegetables. Try adding extra peppers, onions, and corn to your enchiladas to increase the nutrient content and fiber. This can help you to feel fuller longer and can also add a delicious flavor to your dish.

Finally, you can make your chicken enchiladas healthier by using a low-fat cheese or substituting part or all of the cheese with nonfat Greek yogurt. The yogurt will add a creamy texture without adding extra fat and calories.

By using a few simple substitutions and additions, you can make chicken enchiladas healthier without sacrificing flavor. Try experimenting with different ingredients to create a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.