Easy Chicken Enchiladas

How to make Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas with only a few ingredients. This delicious chicken enchiladas recipe is super simple and a crowd pleaser.

My son is currently in college and one of the things we talk about all of the time is WHAT HE SHOULD MAKE FOR DINNER. Hey that question and dilemma starts young and never quite ends, right? He wants quick, easy, healthy, and inexpensive meals he can make for himself.

So, I started to create a list for him and realized that I didn’t have a super quick and easy enchilada recipe you can make in no time. I am sharing this super simple chicken enchilada recipe that is so delicious but easy at the same time. We love a win-win!

These easy chicken enchiladas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare. I’m excited to share a recipe for easy chicken enchiladas that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. These enchiladas are flavorful, satisfying, and, best of all, quick to prepare. Whether you’re new to making enchiladas or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and delicious.

Tips and Tricks for Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver that adds great flavor to your enchiladas. It’s pre-cooked, seasoned, and easy to shred, which significantly reduces prep time. I love to pick one up at Costco for $4.99.
• Pre-Shredded Cheese: Using pre-shredded cheese can save you a few minutes in the kitchen. However, shredding your own cheese from a block often melts better and has fewer additives.
• Microwave Tortillas: Softening tortillas in the microwave with a damp paper towel is quicker than using a skillet, especially if you’re in a hurry.
• Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient and tasty. Choose your favorite brand or make a large batch of homemade sauce and freeze it for future use.

Ingredients:

There are only five ingredients needed for the base of these easy chicken enchiladas.

• Corn Tortillas: I like to use fresh corn tortillas but see below if you would like to substitute flour tortillas for corn.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: To save time, I suggest using a rotisserie chicken. My favorite is the $4.99 rotisserie chicken from Costco because of the price, flavor, and value.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: I prefer to freshly grate the cheese because it melts so much better and has better taste.
• Enchilada Sauce: You can make a homemade enchilada sauce or use canned enchilada sauce for ease.
• Sour Cream: This is to add moisture to the chicken when baking. I like to add this in with the chicken and a touch of enchilada sauce.
• TOPPING IDEAS: See more below as well. Mexican Crema or Sour Cream, Cilantro, Avocado or Guacamole, Pico de Gallo or Tomatoes, Jalapeno, and Pickled Onions.

There is always a debate about whether or not corn tortillas or flour tortillas are better. In our home, there is definitely a split! In this quick and easy chicken enchiladas recipe, you can use either the traditional corn tortillas or flour tortillas. Here is more information on both options…

Corn vs. Flour Tortillas:

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional and gluten-free, corn tortillas provide an authentic texture and flavor. They need to be softened before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Flour Tortillas: Softer and easier to roll, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute. They also tend to hold up better when baked with sauce.

How to make Quick and Easy Enchiladas:

1. Shred the cooked chicken and place in a bowl. Toss the shredded chicken with sour cream and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce. Optional: add 1-2 Tablespoons of Taco Seasoning.
2. Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute until softened. This ensures the tortillas won’t crack when rolled.
3. Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce to the bottom of a 10×7 or 9×13 baking dish. Scoop the chicken filling into the tortilla, generously top with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Arrange the tortillas seam side down and repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and then cover with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
6. Serve with your choice of toppings — Mexican Crema or Sour Cream, Cilantro, Avocado or Guacamole, Pico de Gallo or Tomatoes, Jalapeno, and Pickled Onions.

Storage:

Here is some information about storing enchiladas…

• Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish without baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Toppings:

Here are some fresh topping ideas to put on top of your homemade enchiladas…

Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy enchiladas.

Avocado or Guacamole: Fresh avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole add richness and flavor.

Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: These add freshness and a burst of flavor.

Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños. If you want them be less spicy, remove the membrane and seeds from the middle of the jalapeno. You can also use mild pickled jalapenos for less heat.

Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro: These add a fresh, herby note to your enchiladas.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice and Beans: Serve your enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Chips and Salsa: Offer tortilla chips and salsa as a side or appetizer or put on top of the enchiladas. Here are some of my favorite salsa recipes — Restaurant Style Salsa and Blender Salsa. If you want to add a creamy cilantro jalapeno sauce to the top, try my Chuy’s Cilantro Jalapeno Dip Recipe.
• Salad: A fresh green salad or a Mexican-style slaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the enchiladas.

Popular Enchilada Recipes:

Chicken Enchiladas Suizas

Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Stacked Enchiladas

Stacked Beef Enchiladas