There’s nothing quite like the comforting allure of homemade enchiladas. Bursting with flavor and dressed in a rich sauce, these easy enchiladas come together in no time, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With tender corn tortillas hugging a filling of shredded chicken and gooey cheese, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both the palate and the heart. Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable recipe!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Why Make This Easy Enchiladas
Easy enchiladas don’t just deliver on taste; they shine in simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this dish allows you to whip up a flavorful meal without complex techniques or obscure ingredients. Plus, they can be customized to suit various diets—swap chicken for black beans or add more veggies for a delicious vegetarian option. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can serve a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dinner any night of the week!
How to Make Easy Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the enchiladas will bake evenly and be perfectly heated through.
Step 2: Sautéing
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the filling.
Step 3: Mixing
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with half of the enchilada sauce, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated with sauce and warmed through.
Step 4: Assembling
Warm the corn tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet until they become pliable. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Step 5: Baking
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas and generously sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Cooling
Once baked, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve Easy Enchiladas
Serve these enchiladas hot from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra richness. Pair them with a light salad or some Mexican rice for a full meal. They are also excellent alongside grilled vegetables or even a refreshing pico de gallo.
How to Store Easy Enchiladas
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual portions tightly and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven to retain that delicious cheesy crust!
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Enchiladas
- Tortilla Treatment: Always warm your tortillas to keep them pliable. This helps to avoid cracking when rolling.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix up the filling with beans, vegetables, or different proteins like beef or shrimp.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls ahead of time and cover them in the baking dish with sauce and cheese—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
Delicious Variations
- Veggie Enchiladas: Substitute chicken with a mixture of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans.
- Cheesy Enchiladas: Load up on different cheeses like Monterey Jack or queso fresco for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced green chilies or use spicy enchilada sauce to give a fiery kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas work fine, but they might not have the same traditional flavor and texture.
2. What can I use instead of chicken?
You can easily swap it for shredded beef, carnitas, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
3. How can I make these vegetarian?
Replace chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils, and use vegetable broth for a flavorful base.
4. Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure the enchilada sauce is gluten-free and use gluten-free tortillas.
5. How do I know when they are done baking?
When the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, your enchiladas are ready!
Conclusion
Easy enchiladas make for a delightful meal that’s quick, satisfying, and customizable to suit all tastes. With this recipe, you’ll create a joyous dish that brings a fiesta to your table any night of the week. Enjoy the laughter, warmth, and deliciousness of these enchiladas with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bring a taste of Mexico home today!
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Easy Enchiladas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Homemade enchiladas filled with shredded chicken and gooey cheese, enveloped in a rich sauce, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with half of the enchilada sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Warm the corn tortillas until pliable, spoon the chicken mixture onto each, roll them up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Can be customized with different fillings or toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
