Chicken enchilada is a beloved Mexican dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. These savory delights feature tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This article will guide you through creating delicious chicken enchiladas that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients of Chicken enchilada recipe
For the chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- One can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the enchilada
- Two cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Eight corn or wheat tortillas
Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro
How to make a chicken enchilada recipe?
Prepare the chicken
- In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Make the sauce
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it is tender.
3. Cook for one or more minutes after adding garlic.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring regularly, after bringing to a simmer.
Assemble the chicken enchilada
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°c).
- Pour a thin layer of sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or oven until pliable.
- Place enough amount of shredded chicken and cheese inside each tortilla.
- Roll up tortillas and place them seam-down in the baking dish.
- Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce and top with cheese.
Bake the chicken enchiladas
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- How to serve chicken enchilada
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or cilantro.
Tips for success
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute black beans or Pinto beans for the chicken.
- To prevent tortillas from tearing, warm them before filling.
- If using corn tortillas, lightly fry them in oil before filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations of enchiladas
Green enchiladas: use green enchilada sauce instead of red.
Sour cream enchiladas: Layer the tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish instead of rolling them.
Nutritional information of chicken enchilada recipe
Serving size: 2 enchiladas
Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal
Protein: 30-40 grams
Fat: 20-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
FAQs about chicken enchilada recipe
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Which cheese works best with enchiladas?
Monterey Jack is a classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, Mexican blend, or a combination of cheeses. A good melting cheese is key.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
Yes, you can use tortillas made of corn or flour.Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are often easier to roll. Just be aware that corn tortillas can sometimes tear if they aren’t warmed properly.
How can I avoid my tortillas becoming soggy?
For corn tortillas, lightly frying them in oil before filling helps prevent sogginess. For either corn or flour, warming them in the microwave or oven until pliable is crucial. Also, don’t overfill them.
How can I make my enchiladas spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few drops of hot sauce, or use a spicier chili powder to the sauce. You could also add some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! This is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken .Just add the chicken shreds to the filling.
What are some good toppings for chicken enchilada?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and sliced olives are all delicious toppings.
Conclusion
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty and filling dish that works well for any occasion. This recipe and practical advice, such as answers to commonly asked questions, will help you make restaurant-caliber enchiladas at home. Savor the delicious fiesta!
