Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Craving a classic Mexican dish that never disappoints? Look no further! The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare. Made with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and my homemade enchilada sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, these enchiladas always impress. Pair them with Cilantro Lime Rice and Refried Beans for a complete meal.

Why This Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a Must-Try

Every time I go out for Mexican food, I gravitate towards chicken enchiladas. They’re my all-time favorite! After testing different versions, this has become my go-to recipe. The homemade The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe sauce is the real star here, giving it that bold, authentic flavor you can’t replicate with store-bought sauces. Once you try it, you won’t want to order enchiladas at restaurants anymore!

Ingredients for The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Enchilada Sauce:

1 small garlic clove, minced

1/2 onion, finely chopped

Chipotle chilis in adobo sauce (to taste)

2  cup tomato sauce

3/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

Kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste

1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (store-bought rotisserie or homemade)

1 small garlic clove, minced

1/2 onion, finely chopped

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tsp kosher salt

3/2 tsp cumin

4/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup tomato sauce

Enchiladas:

Whole wheat flour or gluten-free tortillas

1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey jack cheese

Toppings:

Chopped scallions or cilantro

Optional: sour cream, avocado, Greek yogurt, jalapenos

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas

Preheat the oven: Heat to 400°F.

Method of The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Prepare the enchilada sauce: Sauté minced garlic and onion in a small pot with oil over medium heat. Stir in the chipotle chilis, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Set aside. The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Make the chicken filling: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion. Add the shredded chicken, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chipotle chili powder, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

Assemble the enchiladas: Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking oil. Add 1/3 cup of the chicken filling to each tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish.

Bake: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Garnish with scallions or cilantro and add optional toppings like sour cream or avocado. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creative Fillings for Your Enchiladas

While this Chicken Enchilada recipe is a family favorite, you can get creative with different fillings:

Vegetarian: Try refried beans, white beans, butternut squash, zucchini, and cheese for a meatless option.

Beef or Turkey: Use leftover taco meat or picadillo for a protein twist.

Pork: Slow-cooked pork carnitas make for a hearty, delicious enchilada filling.

What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas pair perfectly with classic sides like:

 

The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice

Mexican Rice or Yellow Rice

Black Beans or Refried Beans If you’re aiming for a lower-carb meal, try Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice or Mexican Cauliflower Rice. For a lighter next-day meal, serve any leftovers with a fresh salad and avocado slices.

Why You Should Make These Chicken Enchiladas Today!

This recipe is foolproof, incredibly tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, everyone will rave about this dish. The homemade enchilada sauce elevates it to restaurant-quality, while the ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Try it today, and let me know how it turns out!

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