Hello friends, Chef André here!
When it comes to pure comfort food with bold flavors, nothing beats a good Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.This dish reminds me of family-style dinners where the table is full, the plates are generous, and everyone goes back for seconds. Tender shredded chicken, warm tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese all baked together into one irresistible dish—it’s the definition of cozy and satisfying.
What I love most about this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is how flexible it is. You can keep it mild for the whole family or spice it up for heat lovers. Either way, it delivers that perfect balance of saucy, cheesy, and savory in every bite.
Why This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Is a Classic
Here’s why enchiladas never go out of style:
- Hearty & filling, perfect for family dinners
- Bold Mexican-inspired flavors
- Make-ahead friendly, ideal for meal prep
- Customizable with different sauces and fillings
- Crowd-pleaser, great for gatherings
This is the kind of recipe that makes everyone happy.
Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Simple ingredients, big flavor:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Smart Substitutions by Chef André
- Green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor
- Corn tortillas for a more traditional version
- Pepper jack cheese for extra heat
- Greek yogurt or sour cream inside the filling for creaminess
Step-by-Step Preparation – Chef André Guides You
1. Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
2. Warm the Tortillas
Lightly warm tortillas in a pan or microwave so they don’t crack when rolling.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture and a little cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down.
4. Sauce & Bake
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle generously with cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and melted.
Creative Variations by Chef André
Make this Chicken Enchiladas Recipe your own:
🌶 Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
Add jalapeños or chipotle powder to the filling.
🧀 Extra Creamy Version
Mix sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken.
🌽 Chicken Enchiladas with Veggies
Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers.
🌿 Fresh Herb Finish
Top with cilantro, green onions, or avocado slices.Chef’s Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas
- Don’t overfill tortillas – easier to roll
- Warm tortillas first to prevent tearing
- Use enough sauce – enchiladas should be moist
- Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too fast
What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas pair beautifully with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Fresh green salad
- Guacamole, salsa, or sour cream
Perfect for casual dinners or festive nights.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze before baking up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F until warmed through
FAQ – Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely—this recipe is perfect for leftovers.
Red or green enchilada sauce?
Both work! Red is richer, green is tangier.
Why are my enchiladas soggy?
Too much sauce inside the tortillas—keep most on top.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 26 g
(Values vary based on cheese and tortillas.)
Conclusion – Chef André’s Comfort Classic 🌮🧀
This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is everything comfort food should be: warm, cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. It’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for sharing with family and friends.
If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me how you customized yours!
For safe chicken handling and storage, I always recommend USDA Food Safety:
Happy cooking,
Chef André 👨🍳