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:
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!