Chicken Enchilada Recipe (2024)

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This chicken enchilada recipe is quick, easy, and perfectly spiced. They are a top-requested family favorite!

We love to serve these enchiladas alongside Homemade Spanish Rice, Homemade Salsa, and Chicken Tacos.

Chicken Enchilada Recipe (1)

A family go-to!

Because of my heritage, I’ve learned how to make so many Mexican recipes – and this enchilada recipe is the FIRST Mexican dinner I learned to make.

Since then, I’ve made it countless times and we’ve established enchiladas as a family favorite dinner (along with Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Cheese Enchiladas and Beef Enchiladas).

Why we love them:

  • Any and every night. A 20-minute prep time makes these perfect for a quick dinner and entertaining.
  • Restaurant quality at home. Get those delicious classic Mexican flavors at home!
  • Feeds the masses. This makes a good-sized batch and is also freezer-friendly, so make extras and save them for a quick meal later!
  • For sharing. I love giving this chicken enchilada recipe (frozen) to new moms so they have a simple dinner for their family on crazy nights.
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (2)

Ingredients

  • chicken – Use canned chicken, Baked Chicken, or rotisserie chicken and shred it with a fork. I love to keep Shredded Chicken in the freezer to use in my favorite recipes.
  • Colby jack cheese – Using a different cheese blend can certainly change the flavor. Try a Mexican blend, grated marble Colby jack, or a cheddar cheese and pepper jack blend.
  • Las Palmas green chile enchilada sauce – or homemade Green Enchilada Sauce
  • sour cream or plain yogurt
  • corn tortillas We prefer corn tortillas since they are more traditional and add more flavor to the recipe, but you can swap the corn tortillas with similarly sized Flour Tortillas. No need to dip flour tortillas in the sauce before rolling.
  • chopped green chiles
  • salt and pepper to taste
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (3)
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (4)

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas

  1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. CHICKEN MIX. Stir the filling ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. TORTILLAS. Boil the sauce and remove from heat. Dip each tortilla into the heated sauce for a few seconds to soften.
  4. FILL. Place the softened tortilla in the baking dish and spoon ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture and 2 tablespoons of sour cream down the center (squeeze sour cream packages work great for this!)
  5. BAKE. Roll up the tortilla and make sure it’s seam-side down in the baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 20 minutes.

Serving Size

This easy enchilada recipe makes 4 servings, but we usually double it to feed a larger crowd and use a 9×13 casserole dish.

Chicken Enchilada Recipe (5)
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips

  • Soften the tortilla without dipping or frying. If the tortillas are falling apart while dipping, they could be old and should probably be microwaved instead. Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a pan in the oven. When they are just warm, keep them wrapped in a thick kitchen towel or a tortilla warmer.
  • Soggy enchiladas. Enchiladas should be saucy, but not soggy.
    • Bake uncovered and then let them cool a bit to allow steam to evaporate.
    • Soften the corn tortilla so that it rolls easily, but don’t saturate it.
    • Adding too much sour cream or enchilada sauce can cause it to be soggy. You can always add more sauce after they have baked.
  • Toppings. Add olives, tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, salsa, chili peppers, black beans, or corn.
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (7)
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (8)

Serving Suggestions

The Mexican side dish options are endless for this chicken enchiladas recipe.

  • Mexican Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Homemade Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole
  • Refried Beans
  • Homemade Tortilla Chips
  • Esquites, Mexican Corn on the Cob
  • Chicken Tacos
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (9)

SToring Info

  • Make ahead of time. Make as instructed, cover them with foil or plastic wrap, and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. Take the excess sauce and place it in an air-tight container. Pour on the sauce and add the cheese before cooking.
  • STORE.If stored properly, chicken enchiladas can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on low in the oven.
  • FREEZE.We LOVE to freeze these chicken enchiladas and save them for later. We often double the batch and then eat one and freeze the rest for another night.
    • We suggest making them in a disposable pan. Cover tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When done this way, they can last in the freezer for several months.
    • To cook, let the enchiladas thaw in the fridge overnight and cook for about 25 minutes.
Chicken Enchilada Recipe (10)

For Even More Enchiladas:

Beef Enchiladas

30 mins

Recipe Video

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

40 mins

Cheese Enchiladas

47 mins

Recipe Video

Chicken Enchilada Recipe (15)

Chicken Enchilada Recipe (16)

4.99 from 643 votes

Chicken Enchilada Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

This chicken enchilada recipe is quick, easy, and perfectly spiced. They are a top-requested family favorite!

Servings: 4

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 2 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 (19-ounce) can Las Palmas green chile enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 6-8 corn tortillas
  • 1 (4 ½-ounce) can can chopped green chiles
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  • In a small bowl, combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, green chiles, salt, and pepper.

  • In a small skillet, bring enchilada sauce to a boil. Remove from heat.

  • Dip each tortilla into the heated sauce for a few seconds to soften.

  • Spoon ⅓ cup of chicken mixture and 2 tablespoons sour cream down the center for each tortilla (I usually put the sour cream in a sandwich bag and cut the bottom tip which makes it easier to squirt right down the center).

  • Roll the tortilla and place seam-side down in 8×8 (or 9×9) inch baking dish.

  • Repeat with remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining heated enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

  • Bake for 20 minutes.

Video

Notes

FOR A 9×13 PAN…INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 – 4 CUPS CHICKEN
  • 3 CUPS MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
  • 1 – 28 OZ. CAN LAS PALMAS GREEN CHILE ENCHILADA SAUCE
  • 12-15 CORN TORTILLAS
  • 1 – 2 CANS 4.5 OZ. CHOPPED GREEN CHILES
  • 11/2 – 2 CUPS SOUR CREAM
  • SALT & PEPPER

Make ahead of time. Make the enchiladas as instructed, cover them with foil or saran wrap, and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. To make them even better, take the excess sauce and place it in an air-tight container. Pour on the sauce and add the cheese before storing.

FREEZE.We LOVE to freeze these Chicken Enchiladas and save them for later. In fact, we often double the batch and then eat one and freeze the rest for another night.

Nutrition

Calories: 588kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 38g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 1700mg, Potassium: 342mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 1810IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 534mg, Iron: 2.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: Chicken, Cuisines, Main Dishes, Mexican Recipes, Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Chicken Enchilada Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good enchiladas? ›

The most important tip for avoiding soggy enchiladas is to briefly fry your tortillas in hot oil before you fill and roll. This creates a little bit of a barrier so that the tortillas don't soak up too much of the sauce and therefore start to break down.

Are enchiladas better with corn or flour tortillas? ›

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas.

Do you put sauce on enchiladas before or after baking? ›

Step 1: Make 10 minute homemade red enchilada sauce using fridge and pantry staples. Step 2: Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese into the centers of corn tortillas then roll and place inside a casserole dish. Step 3: Cover with red sauce then bake.

What is enchilada filling made of? ›

It's a mix of meat or beans, fresh vegetables, loads of cheese, an array of sauces, and tortillas large enough to roll and fill. Toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and coriander amplify the enjoyment. If you're going to be an enchilada chef, your first ingredient would be soft tortillas.

Should enchiladas be covered when baking? ›

Roll up tortillas; place seam sides down and widthwise in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spread with salsa; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

What is the best cheese for enchiladas? ›

Use a shredded Mexican cheese blend for the best melting and flavor. A rustic cut blend of 4 cheese is the best all-around cheese for enchiladas. Look for one that includes Montery Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Avoid using all cheddar as it can be too oily.

Do I have to fry tortillas for enchiladas? ›

The corn tortillas must be softened before they are rolled and baked in the casserole. Frying them gently in a little oil both softens the tortillas and also greatly enhances their flavor.

What kind of tortillas do Mexican restaurants use for enchiladas? ›

Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditionally used in Mexican-style enchiladas, but I typically use flour tortillas (which are more commonly used in Tex-Mex and American-style enchiladas) since they are much easier to roll. That said, just about any style of tortillas will work in this recipe.

What can I use instead of enchilada sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

What to serve with chicken enchiladas? ›

Chopped salad, rice pilaf, fresh guacamole, and street corn dip – these all go great with chicken enchiladas! This iconic tortilla dish can be made with slow cooker shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken, a great main course!

Are chicken enchiladas better with green or red sauce? ›

If you are making enchiladas, you may be wondering, “Which sauce should I use?” This is an excellent question, and the most straightforward answer is whatever you prefer. If you are making beef enchiladas, it is more common to pair them with a red sauce, and chicken enchiladas usually have a green sauce.

What does chicken enchiladas contain? ›

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Recipe is an all-time favorite dinner! Tortillas are filled with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese and then smothered with extra enchilada sauce and cheese and baked until bubbly. It's always a crowd pleaser and the enchiladas freeze well too!

Why are they called divorced enchiladas? ›

These recipes are taken from her new book 'Mexico the Cookbook' a bible of authentic Mexican home cooking. They are called 'divorced' enchiladas because one is covered in green salsa and the other in red salsa!

What is an authentic enchilada made of? ›

This Mexican enchiladas recipe is the real thing. Corn tortillas are dipped in a homemade sauce, fried, filled with Mexican queso fresco, then topped with sour cream, lettuce, and tomato.

What is the best melting cheese for enchiladas? ›

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts easily and adds a smooth texture to the enchiladas.

Why do you dip tortillas in oil for enchiladas? ›

First, it creates a barrier on the surface of the tortilla that allows the tortilla to absorb some sauce—but avoid completely disintegrating. Second, it adds flavor; the sugar in the tortilla starts to caramelize and the proteins brown. Finally, it adds richness from the oil.

What can I add to canned enchilada sauce to make it taste better? ›

Then when the sauce is almost finished, a quick blend with a blender or immersion blender results in a smooth sauce. Add seasonings - Cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano, etc. are great ways to punch up the flavor of canned enchilada sauce. You might also consider adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

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