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
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the flour and chili powder, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
2. Make the Chicken Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix in the shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (if using).
3. Soften the Tortillas
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
- 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