Tasty and Easy Mexican Chicken Enchiladas

This chicken enchilada recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This makes it a satisfying main course suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, these enchiladas offer a convenient way to serve a complete meal that appeals to both adults and children.

What Are Enchiladas?

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish made from corn tortillas filled with meats, cheeses, beans, or vegetables, then covered in a rich, spiced sauce. Enchiladas date back to Aztec times, when corn tortillas were rolled around fish and chili sauces.

Over centuries, the dish evolved with regional variations, from mild, cheesy versions to fiery, chili-laden creations. Today, chicken enchiladas with tomato sauce, cheddar, and sour cream are popular worldwide and loved for their flavors.

Pro Tips for the Best Enchiladas

• Warm your tortillas slightly before rolling them to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.
• Let the chicken and sauce mixture cool slightly before filling the tortillas. This helps the filling stay together and prevents soggy enchiladas
• Use a mix of green and red chili peppers for a balanced heat and color contrast that makes the dish visually appealing.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top just before serving.
• Bake the enchiladas covered for the first 15 minutes and then uncovered for the last 5 to achieve a lightly browned, cheesy top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Enchiladas Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the chicken filling and roll the tortillas a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes enchiladas perfect for dinner parties or busy evenings.

Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?

Shredded beef, pork, or even sautéed vegetables work wonderfully as alternatives. Adjust the cooking time for the protein choice to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.

How Spicy Are These Enchiladas?

The heat depends on the type and number of chili peppers you use. The combination of green and red chili peppers provides a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust it by removing seeds or using milder chili varieties.

What Can I Serve with Enchiladas?

Enchiladas pair beautifully with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For extra flair, offer lime wedges and a side of guacamole or pickled jalapeños.

How to Store Enchiladas

Keep the enchiladas covered and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1

Step 1

Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan, cook chicken breasts for about 7 minutes per side, and remove from the heat.

Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan, cook chicken breasts for about 7 minutes per side, and remove from the heat.

Step 2

Step 2

Cut the chicken into pieces.

Cut the chicken into pieces.

Step 3

Step 3

In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until golden.

In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until golden.

Step 4

Step 4

Add green and red chili peppers, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

Add green and red chili peppers, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Add the sour cream, chicken pieces, chopped parsley, and cheddar, and set aside.

Add the sour cream, chicken pieces, chopped parsley, and cheddar, and set aside.

Step 6

Step 6

In a saucepan, warm the remaining tomato sauce with a pinch of salt.

In a saucepan, warm the remaining tomato sauce with a pinch of salt.

Step 7

Step 7

Cover with the warm tomato sauce, then top with spoonfuls of sour cream and cheddar.

Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll up, and place in a baking dish.

Step 8

Step 8

Bake the dish at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.

Cover with the warm tomato sauce, then top with spoonfuls of sour cream and cheddar.

Step 9

Step 9

Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.

Bake the dish at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Step 10

Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.