Delicious Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that will make your taste buds dance a happy jig, then you’ve come to the right place. I present to you my mouth-watering Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas recipe. This delicious dish is everything you need to satisfy your craving for something cheesy and comforting. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re hosting a gathering with friends and family.
I love this dish because it’s packed with flavor and it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of enchiladas that will have everybody asking for seconds. The recipe calls for shredded chicken, tangy salsa, creamy cheese, and warm flour tortillas – all the good stuff that promises an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just love comfort food, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to meals. Plus, it’s infinitely adaptable – feel free to switch out the ingredients and customize it to your liking!
So get ready to spice up your mealtime routine and treat yourself with my easy, cheesy, and hearty chicken enchilada recipe that is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies! Are you tired of the same old boring chicken recipes? Do you crave a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger pangs? Well, look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you – Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas!
Get ready to indulge in a dish that is bursting with flavor and texture. These enchiladas are filled with tender and juicy shredded chicken, mixed with creamy cheese and spicy green chiles. Rolled up in soft flour tortillas, these enchiladas are then smothered in a tangy enchilada sauce and topped with more cheese.
Let me tell you why you will love this recipe. First of all, it’s easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional chef to create this masterpiece. With simple ingredients that are readily available in any grocery store, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Secondly, it’s versatile. You can customize the dish to your liking by adding or subtracting ingredients. You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, use white chicken breast instead of ground chicken, or mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions.
But most importantly, it’s delicious! The mixture of creamy cheese with spicy and tangy flavors will explode in your mouth with each bite. Your taste buds will be begging for more.
So if you’re looking for a new go-to recipe to impress your family or guests at your next dinner party, look no further than Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters and become a household favorite.
Ingredient List
You will need the following ingredients to make this mouth-watering cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe:
- 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup of chunky salsa
- 1 can (10 oz.) of enchilada sauce, divided
- 1 can (4 oz.) of chopped green chiles
- 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (approximately 8 inches in diameter)
For the Enchilada Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken (or white chicken breast)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
For Serving (Optional):
- Additional chunky salsa, sour cream or your favorite toppings.
Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the listed ingredients. You may have most of the items from your pantry or stocked up in your fridge. Check for expiry dates on important ingredients like flour tortillas and cheese to ensure quality results.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to business and cook up some Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. Follow these step-by-step instructions to whip up an amazing dish that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, green chiles, and 1 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together half of the enchilada sauce, sour cream, and flour until smooth.
- Add half of the sauce mixture into the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Take each tortilla and spoon approximately two tablespoons of sauce from the remaining half of the sauce mixture in a line down the center of each tortilla. Spoon about 1/3-1/2 cup of the chicken mixture on top of the sauce in each tortilla. Roll up each tortilla tightly around filling and place seam side down in baking dish.
- Pour remaining half can of enchilada sauce all over stuffed tortillas in baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack cheese over top.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
Garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes if you like a touch of greenery, or try some sliced jalapeños on top if you’re feeling brave!
This easy recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead! These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are sure to impress any foodie with their creamy taste and tangy kick – enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, sometimes you just want to add your own personal touch to a classic recipe. Luckily for you, these cheesy chicken enchiladas are the perfect canvas for your creative substitutions and variations.
One ingredient you can switch out is the chicken. Instead of ground chicken, you could use shredded chicken breast or even leftover rotisserie chicken. This would give the dish a different texture and flavor profile.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you could also swap out the chicken for black or pinto beans. These beans would add more fiber and protein to the dish and pair well with the other ingredients.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try swapping out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. This will give the dish a more authentic Mexican flavor and also make it gluten-free.
Another way to spice things up in this recipe is by adding different types of cheese. Try using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey jack for an extra kick of heat. Or, if you’re a fan of blue cheese, sprinkle some on top before baking.
Lastly, if you want to cut down on calories and fat, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the enchilada sauce mixture. This will still give the dish a creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, remember that cooking is all about experimentation and having fun in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving these cheesy chicken enchiladas, you have a number of options that can elevate the meal from delicious to unforgettable. One great approach is to offer a range of toppings and sauces that diners can add as they please. Salsa and guacamole are always popular choices, while sour cream can balance out the heat for those who find the dish a little spicy.
Another option is to serve the enchiladas with some tasty sides that complement their distinctive flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese and hearty chicken, while some spicy black beans or rice with cilantro are great ways to continue the Mexican theme.
If you’re looking for a drink to pair with your cheesy chicken enchiladas, you have plenty of options as well. A crisp lager or ale can help refresh your palate between bites, while a margarita or classic tequila cocktail will match the spirit of the dish perfectly. Alternatively, if you prefer something non-alcoholic, an ice-cold glass of agua de Jamaica – or hibiscus tea – makes an excellent accompaniment.
No matter how you choose to serve them, though, these cheesy chicken enchiladas are sure to be a hit with any crowd – so don’t be surprised if they start asking for the recipe!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hey there, it’s time to talk about one of the most critical factors in cooking: make-ahead, storing and reheating. As a seasoned home chef, I always emphasize the importance of proper storage and reheating techniques. No matter how delicious your Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe turns out, poor storage and reheating methods can quickly turn it into a disaster.
Let’s start with ‘Make-Ahead.’ If you’re planning to make your enchiladas ahead of time, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To prevent freezer burn, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Now, let’s talk about ‘Storing.’ If you have any leftovers or couldn’t finish the enchiladas, you should store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that refrigerated enchiladas may not hold their shape as well as fresh ones, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Finally, let’s discuss ‘Reheating.’ Personally, I prefer to reheat my enchiladas in the oven as it keeps their flavor and texture intact. However, you can also microwave them if you’re running short on time. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the enchiladas on a baking sheet. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and heat them for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
If using a microwave is your preferred method, lightly cover them with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes (depending on their size) until they’re heated all the way through.
Either way, remember that it’s essential not to overcook or dry out the enchiladas while reheating to avoid compromising their texture and flavor. Once again, proper storage and reheating techniques are vital to keep your chicken enchiladas fresh and delicious even after several days. So go ahead, prepare this cheesy chicken enchilada recipe with confidence knowing that these tips will help you store them for longer or reheat them without ruining their perfection!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some tips to help you achieve perfect results when making these cheesy chicken enchiladas.
First and foremost, don’t overfill your tortillas. While it may be tempting to add extra filling, overstuffing the tortillas will make them difficult to roll and will cause the filling to spill out during baking. Stick to using around 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture for each enchilada.
The key to perfectly melted cheese is to layer it both inside and on top of the enchiladas. Use a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese inside each tortilla before rolling them up. Then, sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
To prevent soggy enchiladas, be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. Also, avoid overcrowding your baking dish by leaving a little bit of space between each enchilada.
If you’re short on time, consider making the filling and sauce ahead of time and assembling the enchiladas just before baking. This is also a great option if you’re hosting a party or having guests over for dinner.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and additions. Feel free to swap out the green chiles for diced jalapeños or use shredded pork instead of chicken. Serve with sides like Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.
Follow these tips and you’ll have deliciously cheesy chicken enchiladas every time!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the necessary information and tips for creating this delicious and easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas recipe, it’s time to get cooking! With your choice of substitutions and variations, this recipe can be tailored to satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
So why not gather some friends or family members and have a “Cheesy Chicken Enchilada” party at home? With its impressive taste and simple preparation, it’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The perfect mix of flavors in this recipe will have them begging for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
Don’t hesitate any longer; go ahead and give this recipe a try! Follow the simple steps, use high-quality ingredients, and experiment with different variations if you want to add your own spin on things. With its scrumptious taste, straightforward process, and customizable options, Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas is bound to become a staple in your meal repertoire.
So what are you waiting for? Make a shopping list of the ingredients needed for this amazing recipe, hit the grocery store or farmers market, then head back home to start cooking. Once you’re done, sit back, enjoy, and relish the moment as your guests savor every last bite of your incredibly delicious creation.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
- 450 g ground chicken
- 650 ml chunky salsa, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 12 (6 inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- In large skillet, brown chicken. Add 1/2 cup each of the salsa and cheese, and mix well.
- Spread 1/2 cup of remaining salsa onto bottom of 9x13" baking dish.
- Spoon 1/4 cup of the meat mixture down the centre of each tortilla. Roll tortillas and place, seam sides down, in baking dish. Top with remaining salsa and cheese.
- Bake in preheated 350F oven for 20 mins or until heated through.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!