Get ready to enjoy a tasty Mexican dish – cheesy chicken enchiladas! This recipe combines shredded chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to perfection. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your dinner table.
Key Takeaways
- Cheesy chicken enchiladas have been a family favorite for over 20 years.
- Rotisserie chicken is recommended for its moistness and tenderness, making preparation quick and easy.
- The recipe suggests using homemade enchilada sauce for superior taste.
- Cottage cheese, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar create a creamy and rich filling.
- Flour tortillas are preferred for their pliability and no-fry requirement.
Introduction to Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas have a long history in Mexican cuisine, starting with the Aztecs. They were simple corn tortillas filled with fish or meat, topped with chili sauce. Today, enchiladas have many fillings and sauces, loved in Mexican-American cuisine.
This recipe adds a twist to the classic dish. It combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and a tasty sauce. It’s a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
A Brief History of Enchiladas
The Aztecs in Mexico first made enchiladas. They filled corn tortillas with fish, meat, and spices. Over time, enchiladas became a staple in Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine.
Now, enchiladas come in many flavors. You can find them with chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options like beans and cheese. This dish is a favorite for family meals, showing Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
To make these tasty cheesy chicken enchiladas, you’ll need a few important ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with taco seasoning for extra flavor. Add black beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies for texture and depth.
For the sauce, choose a vibrant green enchilada sauce. It will cover the tortillas and melt the cheese on top. You can use either flour or corn tortillas, based on your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 |
| Taco Seasoning | 1 packet |
| Black Beans, drained | 1 cup |
| Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies | 1 can (10 oz) |
| Green Enchilada Sauce | 1 can (10 oz) |
| Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese | 2 cups |
| Flour or Corn Tortillas | 8-12 |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious and authentic Mexican-inspired dish at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making cheesy chicken enchiladas is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to make a tasty Mexican dish at home.
Preparing the Chicken Filling
Start by cooking the chicken breasts until they’re tender. Then, shred the meat with two forks or your hands. Put it in a skillet with taco seasoning and a bit of water. Let it simmer until the flavors mix well.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Now, let’s put the enchiladas together. Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Fill it with chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Roll it up and put it seam-side down in a baking dish. Do this with all the tortillas until the dish is full.
Spread green enchilada sauce over the enchiladas. Then, sprinkle Mexican-blend cheese all over. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes the cheesy chicken enchiladas irresistible.
With the chicken filling ready and the enchiladas made, you’re almost there. You’ll enjoy a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired meal. The step-by-step guide makes it easy to get a satisfying dish.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
This easy cheesy chicken enchilada recipe makes a warm, gooey, and flavorful dish. The shredded chicken, melted cheese, and tangy sauce come together perfectly. It’s a delicious Mexican-style cheesy enchiladas treat.
With a 4.69 rating from 957 votes and over 657 views, it’s a hit. It only needs a few ingredients: cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and Mexican-blend cheese.
To make the enchiladas, mix the chicken with some sauce. Then, roll it in tortillas and put them in a dish. Top with more sauce and cheese, and bake until it’s all melted and bubbly.
Enjoy these cheesy chicken enchiladas with Mexican sides like rice, beans, guacamole, or a salad. It’s a complete and authentic meal. Every bite is full of flavor and texture!
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 1050mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 34g |
Variations and Customizations
Gluten-Free Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
The gluten-free cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe is easy to change for different diets or tastes. Just swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Make sure to warm the corn tortillas before using them to avoid tears.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free taco seasoning and gluten-free enchilada sauce. These tweaks let you enjoy the same delicious Mexican-inspired gluten-free meals as the original customizable enchilada recipe.
Try these other ways to customize:
- Use ground beef or shredded pork instead of chicken
- Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra veggies
- Try different cheese mixes, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Cotija
- Make it spicier with hotter enchilada sauce or diced jalapeños
This gluten-free cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe is all about being flexible. You can make it fit your dietary needs and taste preferences. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this Mexican dish, made just for you.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy chicken enchiladas go great with many Mexican-style side dishes. Try them with a fresh green salad, like a tangy Mexican Caesar Salad, for a nice contrast. For something more filling, choose Spanish Rice or 15 Minute Soy Sauce Butter Fried Rice.
For a complete meal, add creamy Refried Beans or Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso. To make it even more authentic Mexican, top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, or cotija cheese.
These cheesy chicken enchiladas are great for a family-style Mexican dinner. With so many side dish options, you can make a meal that’s both balanced and flavorful.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mexican Caesar Salad | A fresh and tangy salad that pairs well with the richness of the enchiladas. |
| 15 Minute Soy Sauce Butter Fried Rice | A quick and easy side dish that complements the Mexican flavors. |
| Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso | A homemade twist on a popular fast-food favorite. |
| Spanish Rice | A classic Mexican rice dish that perfectly accompanies the enchiladas. |
| Refried Beans | A creamy and satisfying starch to balance the meal. |
Tips and Tricks
Warming Tortillas for Easy Rolling
When making cheesy chicken enchiladas, warm tortillas are key. They make rolling easy and prevent tears. This ensures your enchiladas look great.
For flour tortillas, just 1 minute in the microwave does the trick. Flip them halfway. Corn tortillas need a quick toast in a greased skillet. This makes them flexible and less likely to break.
Using these tortilla-warming tips will change your enchilada assembly process. You’ll get enchiladas that are neatly rolled and sturdy. They’re a joy to serve and eat.
Storage and Reheating
Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade cheesy chicken enchiladas even after the initial meal. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor the leftovers for days to come.
Leftover cheesy chicken enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked cheesy chicken enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before baking as directed. This makes them an excellent make-ahead Mexican meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have a delicious enchilada dish on hand.
| Reheating Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Convenient for larger portions, even heating | Slightly dries out meat filling, not as crispy |
| Microwave | Quick and easy | Can make cheese rubbery and enchiladas soggy |
| Skillet | Evenly heats filling, retains crispy tortilla bottom | Requires more hands-on attention |
| Air Fryer | Quick reheating, similar to oven results | Can slightly dry out meat filling |
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade cheesy chicken enchiladas for days. This makes them a convenient and satisfying make-ahead Mexican meal option.
Conclusion
This easy cheesy chicken enchilada recipe brings authentic Mexican-inspired meals to your home. It’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners. It’s great for any occasion, from weeknights to special events.
The mix of tender chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese is irresistible. This recipe lets you make your favorite Mexican enchiladas at home. You can also customize it to your taste, making it a dish you’ll love to make again and again.
Try these easy cheesy chicken enchiladas tonight for a taste of Mexico. They’re cheesy, delicious, and full of authentic Mexican-inspired flavors. Gather your family, grab forks, and enjoy this family-friendly dinner idea.