Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, a melty cheese blend, and rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect as a family favorite or for entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe offers customizable flavors and satisfying leftovers.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
Other Ingredients
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought red sauce)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a little oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add the shredded cooked chicken along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through so the flavors meld evenly.
- Soften the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave until pliable to prevent tearing during rolling.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center, sprinkle with a handful of the shredded cheese blend, then roll the tortilla up tightly. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese on Top: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese over the top to cover.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to retain moisture. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and edges are slightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or sliced green onions as desired.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Warming tortillas prevents cracking and keeps enchiladas neat.
- Season the chicken filling well and choose flavorful cheese blends for depth.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to maintain moisture.
- Let the baked enchiladas rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: enchiladas, chicken, cheesy, Mexican, comfort food, baked, easy recipe, family dinner, gluten-free option