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Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas are a comforting and cheesy Mexican classic that come together in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of melty cheeses, and a flavorful enchilada sauce, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for those who love bold and savory flavors with minimal kitchen fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sliced avocados
  • Fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: Sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Add shredded chicken and 3/4 cup of enchilada sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Mix in half of the shredded cheese to combine a creamy richness into the filling.
  2. Soften the tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet until pliable to prevent cracking and help with rolling.
  3. Assemble the enchiladas: Spoon the chicken and cheese filling down the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll them up and place seam side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas and filling.
  4. Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the filled tortillas, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly on top to create a golden, melted crust.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Notes

  • Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
  • Shred chicken finely to distribute flavor evenly and ease rolling.
  • Do not overload tortillas with filling to help enchiladas hold shape and bake evenly.
  • Pour enough sauce to moisten enchiladas but avoid drowning them for the perfect balance.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to meld flavors and ease slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken enchiladas, cheese enchiladas, easy enchiladas, quick Mexican dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, baked enchiladas