Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered my love for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas during a family gathering in Mexico. The comforting combination of flavors inspired me to craft my own version. Over the years, I perfected the recipe by experimenting with various cheeses and spices. Now, I'm thrilled to share this crowd-pleaser with everyone who loves a delicious, cheesy meal."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I specialize in Mexican cuisine and family-friendly dinner recipes. My passion lies in creating dishes that bring people together. I've traveled extensively throughout Mexico, learning traditional cooking techniques that I incorporate into my recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese create a perfect balance that enchants the palate. Each bite delivers comfort and satisfaction, making it a perfect weeknight meal or weekend feast.

The technique of warming the tortillas ensures they remain pliable, preventing any tearing during the rolling process. Additionally, layering the sauce and cheese in the baking dish results in a beautifully melted top that adds to the overall appeal.

💡 Professional Tip

To enhance the flavors of your Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh lime juice just before serving. These small additions can elevate your dish to a whole new level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. For a different protein, shredded beef or pulled pork can also work well in this recipe.

The enchiladas are done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the sauce is hot and simmering. You can use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F (74°C).

Yes, you can freeze these enchiladas before baking them. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

These enchiladas pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve them with guacamole and salsa for a delightful flavor boost.

Stored properly in an airtight container, Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the components of the enchiladas ahead of time. Cook and shred the chicken, make the sauce, and assemble the enchiladas. Store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for individual portions but be aware that the tortillas may become a bit chewy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

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Too Dry

Problem: If your enchiladas turn out dry, it could be due to overcooking or not enough sauce.

Solution: Ensure you use enough sauce to coat the enchiladas generously before baking. Also, check your cooking time to avoid overbaking.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes, enchiladas may not crisp up as desired.

Solution: For a crispy top, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the enchiladas are overcooked, they may appear dry or tough.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep an eye on the baking time and use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can be disappointing.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the oven temperature is too high or the enchiladas are left in too long.

Prevention: To avoid this, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and check for doneness earlier than the suggested baking time.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your enchiladas taste too sweet, consider adding a splash of lime juice or vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For overly salty enchiladas, try serving them with a side of unsalted rice or beans to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is too bland, enhance it by adding more spices or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

The key ingredients in this recipe revolve around the chicken and cheese. Using high-quality chicken will ensure the best flavor and texture, while a combination of cheeses adds depth to the dish. The use of fresh vegetables like onions and tomatoes brings brightness and color.

When shopping for ingredients, opt for fresh and organic produce whenever possible. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a healthier dish. Also, select tortillas that are soft and pliable to avoid tearing.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it and mix it into your filling for a quick and delicious meal.
  • Cheese: Combining different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, can create a more complex flavor profile in your enchiladas.
  • Tortillas: For the best results, use freshly made corn tortillas. They have a better texture and flavor than store-bought ones.
Cooking process for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start by preparing your filling and warming the tortillas, which is essential for easy rolling. Layer the ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Achieving perfect results requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to baking. Keeping the enchiladas covered initially prevents them from drying out, while the final uncovered bake allows the cheese to achieve that golden brown finish.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

The most crucial technique in this recipe is to ensure the tortillas are warmed properly before filling. This prevents tearing and helps them roll more easily. Additionally, layering the sauce and cheese not only enhances flavor but also contributes to a beautifully baked dish.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup sour cream
    For creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
    For topping
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup onion
    Diced
  • 12 corn tortillas
    Softened
  • 1 cup black beans
    Rinsed and drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
    With green chilies
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    For filling and topping
  • 1 tsp cumin
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp chili powder
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Warm the Tortillas

    Heat corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat until warm and pliable, about 30 seconds per side.

  3. Fill the Tortillas

    Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and roll them up tightly.

  4. Layer the Enchiladas

    Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place enchiladas seam-side down in the dish.

  5. Top with Sauce and Cheese

    Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.

  6. Bake

    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  7. Garnish

    Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

  8. Serve

    Serve warm with your favorite sides like rice or a fresh salad.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salsa. They also pair nicely with Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas! You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or corn to the filling. For a different flavor, try using different types of cheese or adding some diced jalapeños for heat.