Introduction to Easy Chicken Enchiladas
When it comes to weeknight dinners, easy chicken enchiladas are a game-changer. Picture this: a cozy evening at home where you can whip up a delicious meal in just over 30 minutes. With only four ingredients, these enchiladas are not just quick; they're also incredibly versatile. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or want to impress guests, you can easily modify this recipe to suit your flavor preferences.
Why you’ll love easy chicken enchiladas
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Kid-Friendly: Kids love these cheesy bundles, and you'll find that they’re easy to get everyone involved in the cooking process! Tips for involving little hands in the kitchen can be found in this helpful guide.
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Quick and Simple: Between juggling work, social life, and other responsibilities, finding time to make dinner can be a struggle. That’s where this recipe shines—it takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
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Customization: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have at home. Want to add black beans or corn? Go for it! Thinking about using different proteins? Ground turkey or shredded beef work wonderfully too.
With these easy chicken enchiladas, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Essential ingredients for the recipe
To whip up these delightful easy chicken enchiladas, you’ll need just a handful of staples that are likely already in your pantry. Here's what to gather:
- 2 cups shredded chicken: This can be pre-cooked or pulled from a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 2 ¼ cups enchilada sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or try making your own for a personal touch.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend work perfectly.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: This is optional but adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- 10 corn tortillas: The classic choice, but feel free to swap with flour tortillas if preferred.
Optional enhancements to customize your enchiladas
Feel like jazzing up your easy chicken enchiladas? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, black beans, or corn can easily be mixed into the filling.
- Spice it up: A sprinkle of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can bring the heat and excitement!
- Toppings: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
With these ingredients and enhancements, you can customize your enchiladas to suit your taste perfectly! For more delicious inspiration, check out this chicken enchilada variation from Food Network.
Preparing Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Making easy chicken enchiladas at home can be a fulfilling and delicious endeavor, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're entertaining friends. Let's dive into the steps to create this savory dish that is sure to please everyone at the table!
Preheat your oven and prep the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas will bake quickly and evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds delicious flavor right from the start.
Combine the filling ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken with ¾ cup of enchilada sauce, 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or cheddar work wonderfully), and finely chopped onions if you're feeling adventurous. Mixing these ingredients together ensures every bite is packed with flavor. You can even substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or beef for a twist if desired!
Warm up those tortillas for easier rolling
Next, it’s time to warm the tortillas. Using a skillet, heat each tortilla for about 10 seconds on each side. This step might seem small, but it makes a significant difference! The warmth softens the tortillas, making them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
Fill and roll your enchiladas
With your tortillas warmed and your filling ready, it’s time for the fun part! Lay a tortilla flat and scoop about ¼ to ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture into the center. Fold in the edges and roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this step for all your tortillas until your baking dish is filled to perfection.
Top with sauce and cheese, then bake
Once all the enchiladas are rolled and nestled into your baking dish, drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Then, sprinkle the rest of your cheese evenly over the sauced enchiladas. This creates a decadent layer of melty goodness. Pop the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. While they bake, the aroma will undoubtedly make your mouth water!
After baking, serve your easy chicken enchiladas hot, possibly with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, these enchiladas are sure to become a household favorite!
Try the recipe, and don't forget to share your experience! If you're looking for other quick dinner ideas, check out this collection of simple recipes!
Variations on Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Vegetarian Chicken Enchiladas
If you’re craving a meat-free option, these vegetarian chicken enchiladas are a fantastic choice. Substitute the shredded chicken with black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and corn for a colorful, flavor-packed filling. Adding extra cheese or avocado can make them even more satisfying. Top with a homemade avocado crema for a refreshing touch. These enchiladas are just as quick, tasty, and sure to impress everyone at the table!
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
For those who like a little heat, try spicy chicken enchiladas! Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce into the chicken filling. You might even consider using a zesty green enchilada sauce instead of the traditional red for an added kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to balance the spice. These variations on easy chicken enchiladas offer a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making easy chicken enchiladas, avoid overfilling the tortillas—this can lead to a messy assembly and leaks during baking. Ensure your tortillas are warm and flexible to prevent tearing. Additionally, don't skip the layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish; it helps to keep the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
Want to prep in advance? Assemble your enchiladas up to a day ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge while preheating the oven, then pop them in as instructed. This way, you're just 30 minutes away from delicious homemade enchiladas!
For more tips and variations, check out this guide on enchilada sauces.
Serving suggestions for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Tasty sides to complement your enchiladas
To round out your meal, consider serving your easy chicken enchiladas with some delightful sides. A light, refreshing Mexican chopped salad featuring avocado, tomatoes, and citrus vinaigrette pairs perfectly. For something heartier, whip up a side of Spanish rice or refried beans—both staples that will elevate your dinner table. Don’t forget some crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for that extra crunch!
Creative toppings to try
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings brightness. You might also experiment with sliced jalapeños for heat or add a burst of flavor with pickled red onions. Want to switch things up? Try some crushed tortilla chips on top for an unexpected twist!
Time Breakdown for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Preparation Time
Get ready to dive into cooking with just 15 minutes for preparation! This includes gathering your ingredients, shredding the chicken, and prepping the tortillas. You can even involve a friend or family member—cooking is more fun when shared!
Cooking Time
Let the oven work its magic for 20 minutes while your enchiladas bake to cheesy perfection. You can use this time to set the table or catch up on your favorite show.
Total Time
From start to finish, your easy chicken enchiladas will be ready in just 35 minutes! That means you can go from craving to satisfying your taste buds in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Nutritional Facts for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Calories per serving
Each serving of easy chicken enchiladas contains approximately 229 calories. This makes them a delightful, yet moderate option for dinner, perfect for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without the guilt.
Protein content
These enchiladas pack about 15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the shredded chicken and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making this dish a fantastic choice post-workout or as a filling dinner option.
Other key nutrients
In addition to the protein, this dish offers a balance of key nutrients:
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 152mg
With ingredients like chicken and cheese, these enchiladas not only fill you up but also provide important vitamins and minerals. For more low-calorie dinner ideas, check out the CDC's Dietary Guidelines.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
FAQs about Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought shredded chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in these easy chicken enchiladas. Just ensure it’s seasoned well, or simply add some spices to amp up the flavor. It cuts down your prep time significantly—who doesn’t love that on a busy weeknight?
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To preserve their delightful texture, consider reheating them in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you want to extend the life even further, you can freeze them for up to 3 months!
How can I make my enchiladas healthier?
Making your easy chicken enchiladas a bit healthier is simple! You could use whole wheat tortillas, swap regular cheese for a low-fat option, or even load them up with veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting with these tweaks can give you a delicious yet nutritious meal!
Conclusion on Easy Chicken Enchiladas
In just over half an hour, you can enjoy delicious easy chicken enchiladas that your whole family will love! With only four ingredients, this dish is not just simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. Don't hesitate to customize these enchiladas with your favorite toppings and sides. Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 ¼ cups enchilada sauce divided
- 2 cups shredded cheese divided, I like monterey, colby jack, cheddar, or a blend of these
- ½ cup sweet white or yellow onion finely chopped (optional)
- 10 6” corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with ¾ cup (177ml) of enchilada sauce, 1 cup (113g) of shredded cheese, and onions, if using.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13” (23x33cm) baking dish, set aside.
- Warm tortillas one at a time in a heated skillet, about 10 seconds per side.
- Lay tortillas flat and scoop about ¼-⅓ cup of filling per tortilla. Fold the edges of each tortilla over the center and place seam side down into the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas/filling.
- Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, and evenly sprinkle remaining 1 cup (113g) of cheese overtop.
- Transfer to center rack of 375F (190C) preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and enchiladas are heated through.
- Serve warm plain or with sour cream, guacamole, and/or cilantro.
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