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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and loaded with a gooey blend of melted cheeses. This recipe offers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare, customizable to your spice preference or dietary needs, and perfect for make-ahead dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs

Tortillas

  • 8 flour or corn tortillas (soft and pliable)

Sauce and Cheese

  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green tomatillo sauce for variations)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

To Serve

  • Sour cream or crema

Instructions

  1. Cook and shred the chicken: Boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked, then shred using two forks to create tender, pull-apart chicken ready to mix with sauce and cheese.
  2. Prepare the filling: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. Combine with shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly so the heat begins melting the cheese and infuses flavors.
  3. Soften the tortillas: Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave to make them flexible and prevent cracking when rolling.
  4. Assemble the enchiladas: Spoon an even amount of the chicken-cheese filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish, arranging them neatly.
  5. Pour enchilada sauce and top with cheese: Generously cover the rolled enchiladas with enchilada sauce. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to form a deliciously cheesy crust when baked.
  6. Bake until bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden. For best results, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes then uncover to brown.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Softening tortillas before assembly prevents cracking during rolling for perfect presentation.
  • Adding a layer of enchilada sauce to the bottom of the baking dish keeps enchiladas moist and flavorful.
  • Cover with foil while baking initially to keep enchiladas tender and prevent cheese burning.
  • Add fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime after baking for brightness and extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, Mexican enchiladas, baked enchiladas, easy enchiladas, comfort food, enchilada recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/cheesy-chicken-enchiladas/