There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a pan of bubbling chicken enchiladas fresh out of the oven. The combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, creamy sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or simply treating yourself, chicken enchiladas bring people together. They’re one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
For me, chicken enchiladas carry a sense of tradition. Growing up, this was the dish that graced our table for special celebrations or cozy Sunday dinners. They’re versatile, flavorful, and satisfying, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. The best part? You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds while still keeping all the delicious elements intact. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: This dish pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level.
- Meal Prep Heaven: Make ahead and freeze for a quick and easy dinner later.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (mild or medium, depending on preference)
- 8 soft tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or jalapeños
How to Make Chicken Enchiladas
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated and evenly combined. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. - Add the Sauce
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch is covered. Spread sour cream in dollops across the top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the sauce. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Helpful Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using rotisserie chicken for the filling.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and paprika to suit your heat preference.
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas add a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: High Protein
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with cream cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
- Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion
Chicken enchiladas are the perfect balance of cozy comfort and bold flavors. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. So gather your ingredients, roll up some tortillas, and enjoy the magic of this delicious dish. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Chicken Enchiladas: A Comfort Food Classic
Description
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a pan of bubbling chicken enchiladas fresh out of the oven. The combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, creamy sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or simply treating yourself, chicken enchiladas bring people together. They’re one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
For me, chicken enchiladas carry a sense of tradition. Growing up, this was the dish that graced our table for special celebrations or cozy Sunday dinners. They’re versatile, flavorful, and satisfying, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. The best part? You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds while still keeping all the delicious elements intact. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (mild or medium, depending on preference)
- 8 soft tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated and evenly combined. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. - Add the Sauce
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch is covered. Spread sour cream in dollops across the top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the sauce. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with cream cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
- Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
