The Zestiest Chicken Enchiladas Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

My weeknight chicken enchiladas pack a seriously delicious punch of southwestern flavors that dance across your palate.

Savory shredded chicken nestles inside soft tortillas, waiting to surprise you with each bite.

Spices from mexico weave magic into every layer of this comforting dish.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that makes these enchiladas irresistible.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal ingredients.

Creamy and zesty, these enchiladas promise a dinner that sparks conversation and satisfaction.

Let’s uncover the simple secrets to making this crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will request again and again.

Every Bit That Builds Chicken Enchiladas

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Dried Oregano, Chili Powder: A robust mix of spices that adds depth and warmth to the enchilada filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein that provides substance and richness to the enchiladas. Best when freshly cooked or from leftover roasted chicken.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and earthy flavor to the filling. Canned beans are convenient and save preparation time.

• Red Enchilada Sauce: Provides a tangy and spicy base for the dish. Homemade sauce offers more authentic and fresh taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich flavors.
• Hot Sauce, Honey: Brings a sweet and spicy complexity to the filling.
• Diced Green Chiles: Introduces a mild heat and subtle pepper flavor.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal note that complements the Mexican-inspired dish.

• Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the filling.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
• Flour Tortillas: The vessel for holding the flavorful filling.
• Mexican Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy topping that balances the spicy flavors.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the dish.

Chicken Enchiladas Prep Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

This will create the perfect environment for baking your delicious enchiladas.

Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 3: Introduce Fragrant Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and let it dance around for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Diced green chiles
• Lime juice
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Cilantro

Sprinkle in salt to enhance the overall taste.

Step 5: Spice Things Up

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder

Step 6: Create A Saucy Mixture

Pour red enchilada sauce into the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the vibrant sauce.

Step 7: Prepare The Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 8: Roll Up The Goodness

Fill each tortilla with the spicy chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 9: Sauce And Cheese Finale

Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and generously top with additional cheese.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and become gloriously bubbly.

Step 11: Serve With Flair

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside a dollop of cool sour cream.

Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Expert Hints for Chicken Enchiladas

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to intensify the smoky, spicy profile of your enchiladas.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for versatile protein alternatives that suit different dietary preferences.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity or choose mild green chiles to make the dish kid-friendly or more heat-tolerant for sensitive palates.
• Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet before filling to prevent cracking and improve rollability, ensuring smooth, tight enchilada wraps.
• Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinner assembly quick and effortless.

Chicken Enchiladas Reheat Nicely When Stored Correctly

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen enchiladas maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover enchiladas with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot, checking temperature between intervals.

Favorite Additions for Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Bright citrus and tequila perfectly complement the enchiladas' spicy, tangy flavors, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Mexican Cerveza: Ice-cold beer like Corona or Modelo balances the dish's heat, providing a crisp, light counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, vibrant salsa adds fresh tomato and cilantro notes that enhance the enchiladas' complex spice profile and provide a cool, acidic contrast.
• Select Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, herbaceous white wine with high acidity matches the cilantro and lime elements, creating a harmonious and sophisticated dining experience.

Chicken Enchiladas Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn for a hearty plant-based version. Keep the same spices and sauce for maximum flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Wrap: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas. Use full-fat cheese and add extra protein for a satisfying low-carb meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for topping.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives. Verify all sauce and seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavors and melting characteristics.

• Are corn or flour tortillas better for this recipe?

Both work well, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican texture and taste.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more hot sauce, use hotter green chiles, include diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble enchiladas ahead of time, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

Chicken Enchiladas That Are Cheesy And Full Of Kick

• Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up these chicken enchiladas in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Loaded with zesty spices, tender chicken, black beans, and a tangy enchilada sauce, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors that will make taste buds dance.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust the heat level by modifying hot sauce and chili powder, making it adaptable for different spice preferences and suitable for both kids and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using just one skillet for the filling and a baking dish means less washing up, allowing more time to enjoy a stress-free meal with loved ones.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory chicken enchiladas bring Mexican culinary magic to dinner tables with creamy, zesty layers of comfort. Cheese-draped tortillas packed with tender chicken and bold spices promise a delicious journey through traditional southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2.75 cups shredded chicken
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, undrained

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
• Salt, to taste

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute with olive oil)
• 0.5 yellow onion, diced
• 14 oz. red enchilada sauce (homemade version highly recommended)
• 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
• Sour cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring a consistent heat for even cooking.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm the avocado oil over medium flame, creating a perfect sautéing environment.
3. Gently introduce diced onions to the heated oil, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.
4. Incorporate minced garlic into the skillet, letting its pungent essence bloom for a brief moment.
5. Introduce the shredded chicken, creating a hearty base for the enchiladas by combining it with black beans, green chiles, and a zesty splash of lime juice.
6. Elevate the flavor profile by adding hot sauce, a touch of honey, and freshly chopped cilantro, balancing sweet, spicy, and herbaceous notes.
7. Craft a robust seasoning blend using onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder, thoroughly coating the chicken mixture.
8. Pour a generous portion of red enchilada sauce into the skillet, stirring until the ingredients meld into a cohesive, flavorful filling.
9. Prepare the baking dish by creating a light sauce base to prevent sticking and enhance moisture.
10. Carefully distribute the chicken mixture into tortillas, adding a sprinkle of cheese before rolling them into neat parcels.
11. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug arrangement.
12. Lavish the enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Generously shower the top with additional cheese, creating a golden, melted crust.
14. Transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the enchiladas to bake until the cheese bubbles and turns a beautiful golden brown.
15. Finish with a fresh cilantro garnish and serve alongside cool, creamy sour cream for a perfect accompaniment.

Notes

• Swap tortillas with gluten-free or low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps or cauliflower tortillas for dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different protein options such as pulled pork, shredded beef, or black bean mixture for variety.
• Control spice levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity or using mild green chiles for sensitive palates.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg