Effortless Chicken Enchiladas

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly delicious and easy chicken enchiladas, a true weeknight hero that promises a burst of authentic Mexican flavor with minimal fuss. This recipe is designed to transform your dinner routine, offering a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness that the whole family will adore. Forget bland, dry enchiladas; we’re talking about juicy, seasoned chicken wrapped in perfectly soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, homemade sauce, and baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these chicken enchiladas are surprisingly simple to make, especially when you leverage a couple of smart shortcuts. We’ll dive into how to prepare a mouth-watering filling using a slow cooker Mexican chicken recipe, and a quick, vibrant 5-minute blender enchilada sauce. Both can be made in advance, making assembly on a busy evening a breeze. Plus, I’m sharing my absolute best trick for preventing corn tortillas from breaking, ensuring every roll is smooth and every bite is perfect.

Why These Easy Chicken Enchiladas Are Your New Weeknight Favorite

Mexican cuisine holds a special place in our weekly meal rotation, often gracing our table at least twice. While Cinco de Mayo might be a seasonal celebration, there’s always an occasion for the vibrant flavors of tacos, burritos, and, of course, enchiladas. This particular recipe has earned the esteemed title of “The Best” from my husband, and I’m confident it will become a cherished favorite in your home too. Here’s why these enchiladas stand out:

Effortless Preparation with Smart Shortcuts

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By utilizing pre-made components like our Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken and the 5-Minute Blender Enchilada Sauce, you drastically cut down on active cooking time. Imagine: succulent, shredded chicken infused with Mexican spices, paired with a rich, smoky enchilada sauce made from scratch in just minutes. Preparing these elements a day or two ahead means that assembling and baking your enchiladas on dinner night takes less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate hack for getting a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table without the stress.

Unbeatable Flavor in Every Bite

These aren’t just easy; they’re packed with incredible flavor. The slow-cooked chicken is tender and absorbs all the aromatic spices, while the homemade enchilada sauce provides a depth that store-bought versions often lack. Generous layers of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend perfectly with the spicy filling and rich sauce, creating a harmonious and comforting dish. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures—the soft corn tortilla, the juicy chicken, and the gooey cheese—all drenched in a savory sauce.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

Life gets busy, and having delicious, homemade meals ready to go is a game-changer. These easy chicken enchiladas are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prepping. You can assemble an entire batch, freeze it, and then simply thaw and bake when you need a quick and satisfying dinner. This forward-thinking approach means you’ll always have a fantastic meal on hand for those unpredictable weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

The Secret to Perfectly Pliable Tortillas: No More Cracks!

One of the most common frustrations when making enchiladas, especially with corn tortillas, is their tendency to crack and break when rolled. This can make assembly messy and lead to a less-than-perfect presentation. But fear not! I’ve learned a fantastic trick that ensures your corn tortillas become perfectly pliable, making them a dream to work with. This simple tip, shared with me by my clever husband, works every single time:

To make your corn tortillas soft and flexible, stack them on a plate and cover them with a lightly damp paper towel. Microwave the stack for just 12 to 15 seconds. The gentle heat and moisture work wonders, steaming the tortillas just enough to make them bend without tearing. Once warmed, they will be incredibly easy to fill and roll, holding their shape beautifully in the baking dish. This small step makes a huge difference in the overall ease and success of your enchilada preparation.

Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create a Mexican masterpiece in your own kitchen? Follow these detailed steps to assemble and bake your easy cheesy chicken enchiladas. The process is straightforward, ensuring a rewarding cooking experience and a truly delightful meal.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Enchiladas

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. For these enchiladas, we focus on fresh, high-quality components that deliver maximum flavor.

• Shredded Mexican Chicken: The heart of your enchiladas. While any pre-cooked, shredded chicken works, our Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken recipe is specifically seasoned for authentic flavor and incredible tenderness.
• Homemade Enchilada Sauce: The backbone of a great enchilada. My 5-Minute Blender Enchilada Sauce is quick, robust, and far superior to most store-bought options.
• Cheese Blend: A generous amount of grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend provides that classic gooey, cheesy topping and rich filling. Feel free to experiment with other Mexican cheese blends like Oaxaca or Asadero.
• Corn Tortillas: The traditional choice for enchiladas. They offer a distinct texture and flavor that flour tortillas can’t replicate. Look for good quality, fresh corn tortillas.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh and vibrant topping that adds a burst of freshness and a slight tang. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: For garnish. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a professional touch. Cilantro is traditional, but parsley works well if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

Preparing Your Components: Chicken & Sauce

As mentioned, these two elements can be prepared ahead of time, which significantly streamlines your dinner preparation.

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken: Follow the instructions for our Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken. This usually involves combining chicken with spices, onions, and peppers, then letting your slow cooker do all the work. Once cooked, shred the chicken and set it aside.
2. Make Blender Enchilada Sauce: Whip up a batch of my 5-Minute Blender Enchilada Sauce. This incredibly easy recipe combines a few simple ingredients in a blender to create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s ready in moments.

Assembling Your Enchiladas Like a Pro

With your chicken and sauce ready, assembly is quick and fun!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of your delicious enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra moisture.
3. Employ the “tortilla trick”: Place your stack of corn tortillas on a large plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 12 seconds. If they still feel stiff, microwave for another 10 seconds. They should be warm and pliable.
4. Now, it’s time to fill: For each tortilla, spoon about ¼ cup of the shredded Mexican chicken filling into the center. Sprinkle a tablespoon of the cheese blend over the chicken.
5. Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking the ends in, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them snugly next to each other to help them hold their shape. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged.

Baking to Golden Perfection

The final step brings all the flavors together in the oven.

1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, ensuring they are all well-covered. Use a spoon to gently spread the sauce if needed.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend evenly over the entire dish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly golden.
4. Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes them easier to scoop.
5. Serve warm, typically 2 tortillas per person, topped with fresh pico de gallo or a mix of chopped tomatoes and red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley.

Recipe Card: Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Author: Anna

Learn how to make the easiest and BEST chicken enchiladas! Thanks to my enchilada sauce made with just a few ingredients in the blender and my Mexican chicken cooked in slow cooker, this recipe is super easy! Also, learn my trick to preventing the corn tortillas from breaking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 8 users.

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Total Time: 28 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 185 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups Mexican Chicken (or other shredded chicken)
• 1.5 cup cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1.25 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or good quality store-bought)
• Pico de gallo, for serving
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Spread 3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9″ by 13″ baking dish.
3. Place tortillas on a large plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 12 seconds. If not warm and pliable, microwave for 10 more seconds.
4. Using ¼ cup of chicken filling and a tablespoon of cheese, fill each tortilla, roll it up, and place seam-down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
5. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, spreading gently with a spoon to ensure even coverage.
6. Top the tortillas generously with the remaining cheese blend.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
8. Serve 2 tortillas per person, topped with fresh pico de gallo or a mix of chopped tomatoes and red onion, and fresh cilantro or parsley.

Video Tutorial

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 185 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken Enchiladas

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

While many people prefer corn tortillas for their authentic texture and flavor in enchiladas, flour tortillas can certainly be used. However, be aware that flour tortillas tend to absorb more sauce and can sometimes become soggy or gummy during baking. Corn tortillas, especially when warmed properly, maintain a better texture and structural integrity. If you opt for flour tortillas, consider a slightly shorter baking time or ensure they are tightly rolled to minimize sogginess.

How do I store and reheat leftover enchiladas?

Leftover chicken enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a few options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the chilled enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
• Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the tortillas tough.

Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?

Absolutely! Chicken enchiladas freeze beautifully, making them excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish, uncooked, and freeze it in a sealed, freezer-safe container or aluminum pan for up to 6 months.

• To bake from frozen: Transfer the dish from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed (or mostly thawed), add a fresh layer of cheese if desired, and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• To bake directly from frozen (without thawing): This will take longer. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 60-75 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.

What are some delicious topping ideas?

While pico de gallo and cilantro are classic, don’t hesitate to customize your enchiladas with other toppings:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the spice.
• Guacamole or sliced avocado: For rich, healthy fats and creamy texture.
• Chopped green onions: A mild onion flavor and extra color.
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled): For an extra kick.
• Hot sauce: If you love extra heat!
• Crumbled cotija cheese: A salty, crumbly cheese that adds an authentic touch.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker for the chicken?

No problem! You can easily prepare shredded Mexican chicken on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

• Stovetop: Poach chicken breasts or thighs in seasoned broth until cooked through. Shred, then toss with your desired Mexican spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder).
• Instant Pot: Place chicken breasts/thighs, broth, and spices in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then natural release or quick release. Shred and proceed with the recipe.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed these easy chicken enchiladas, you’ll love exploring other flavorful Mexican dishes from our collection:

• Black Bean Quinoa Enchiladas: A delicious vegetarian alternative packed with protein and fiber.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice: A one-pan wonder that’s hearty and satisfying.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: Another effortless slow cooker recipe perfect for taco night.

Conclusion

These easy cheesy chicken enchiladas are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution for delicious, stress-free weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients, smart shortcuts, and that game-changing tortilla trick, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality Mexican food right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for one, these enchiladas are sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this fantastic dish! If you try this recipe and love it, we’d be thrilled to hear from you. Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your delicious creations and leave a comment! We love seeing your culinary adventures.

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