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Authentic Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas


  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

“Authentic cheesy chicken enchiladas with tender shredded chicken, a flavorful homemade enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese wrapped in soft corn tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!”


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour and chili powder, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano.
  4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, whisking to prevent lumps.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

2. Make the Chicken Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix in the shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (if using).

3. Soften the Tortillas

  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Warm each corn tortilla for 10–15 seconds per side to make them pliable. Alternatively, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake the Enchiladas

  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
  2. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice and beans.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, authentic Mexican enchiladas, homemade enchilada sauce, easy chicken enchiladas, best enchilada recipe