Easy Chicken Enchiladas

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, look no further than these Easy Chicken Enchiladas. Bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, these enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Using simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and your favorite tortillas, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the details!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of these Easy Chicken Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. By utilizing rotisserie chicken, you save time without sacrificing flavor. The cream cheese mixed with green chilies creates a rich and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the enchilada sauce. Additionally, the combination of spices like garlic powder and ground cumin adds depth to the dish, making every bite memorable. Plus, these enchiladas can be customized to suit your taste, ensuring that everyone at the table will be satisfied.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start cooking, here’s a handy shopping list to gather all the essentials for your Easy Chicken Enchiladas:

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 4 ounces green chilies (1 small can)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 8-10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
• 15 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 can)
• 1 cup Mexican blend (or cheddar cheese, shredded)
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely diced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/2 cup tomatoes (finely chopped)

Tools of the Trade

To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, gather the following tools:

• Mixing bowl – for combining the filling ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect for baking your enchiladas.
• Whisk or fork – for blending the cream cheese and spices.
• Spatula – for spreading and serving the enchiladas.
• Oven – to get those enchiladas golden and bubbly.

Cook Easy Chicken Enchiladas Like This

Get ready to whip up a batch of Easy Chicken Enchiladas with these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin, and Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat this process for all tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Make sure to cover all the tortillas so they stay moist during baking.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese) evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring they’re well-covered for that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are lightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Top with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped tomatoes before serving. Enjoy your Easy Chicken Enchiladas hot and fresh!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your Easy Chicken Enchiladas, consider these swaps:

• Chicken: Use cooked turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Cream Cheese: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
• Cheese: Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor.

• If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• For a creamier enchilada, you can mix in some sour cream into the filling.
• Always taste the filling before assembling the enchiladas to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for leftovers! Store any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

• For meal prep, assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them unbaked in the refrigerator. Bake them on the day you plan to serve.
• You can also freeze the unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Just cover tightly with foil and place in the freezer.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with chicken enchiladas?

These Easy Chicken Enchiladas pair well with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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Let’s Eat

Now that you have all the tools and tips to create your Easy Chicken Enchiladas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! These enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone together for a delicious meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas will shine on your dinner table. Happy cooking!