Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce, and topped with plenty of gooey melted cheese. This easy homemade version delivers bold Mexican flavors in every bite, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal to share with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and Comforting – A deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Customizable – Use your favorite enchilada sauce, cheese blend, and add-ins like beans or veggies.
Crowd-Pleaser – A great dish to serve at potlucks, family dinners, or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
Flour or corn tortillas
Enchilada sauce (red or green)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Sour cream
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set to 375°F and grease a baking dish with a light coating of oil or cooking spray.
Prepare the Filling – In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and green chilies. Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and mix well.
Assemble the Enchiladas – Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll them up tightly. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Top with Sauce and Cheese – Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and generously top with shredded cheese.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Creamy Enchiladas – Mix sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken filling for a richer taste.
Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers.
Green Enchiladas – Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option – Use corn tortillas instead of flour.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave for quick serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend works best for melty, flavorful enchiladas.

Should I use flour or corn tortillas?

Both work! Flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas give a more authentic taste.

How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Lightly toast the tortillas before filling them to help them hold up better to the sauce.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them ahead and store in the fridge. Add sauce and bake when ready.

How do I make these enchiladas extra creamy?

Stir some sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken filling before rolling.

Can I make a homemade enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! Blend tomato sauce, garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, and broth for a homemade version.

What sides pair well with enchiladas?

Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh side salad go great with enchiladas.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream topping.

What’s the best way to freeze enchiladas?

Wrap tightly in foil and freeze before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a must-try for any Mexican food lover! This easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with your favorite sides, customize to your taste, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.