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Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These Chicken Enchiladas are filled with tender shredded chicken, smothered in a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce, and topped with plenty of melted cheese. They’re easy to make, super satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner. Serve them with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Assembling:

  • 8 medium flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Enchilada Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
  3. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

  1. In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of the dish.
  3. Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
  5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

4. Bake & Serve

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and cilantro.
  4. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder for heat.
  • Gluten-free option: Use corn tortillas and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer-friendly: Assemble, cover, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg