Effortless Enchilada Extravaganza: Your Dinner Delight

Effortless Enchilada Extravaganza: Your Dinner Delight 🌶️🥣✨

1. Introduction

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that combines bold flavors with minimal effort? Chicken enchiladas are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. This quick enchiladas recipe offers a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create an irresistible dish that feels like a gourmet feast without the fuss. Let’s dive into this effortless enchilada recipe and make your dinner memorable!

2. Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Warm tortillas briefly to make them more pliable. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Add the Final Touches

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled rolls. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top for a cheesy crust. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

4. Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas

  • For extra flavor, add some chopped green chilies or jalapeños inside the tortillas before rolling.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, include hot sauce in the enchilada sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover chicken enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes ensures your enchiladas stay crispy on top.

6. Serving Suggestions

Plate your easy dinner recipe with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. Add a squeeze of fresh lime over the top for extra zest. For more delicious dinner ideas, check out our zesty honey pepper chicken pasta or Mediterranean chicken pasta.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Enchiladas

Can I make chicken enchiladas vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute shredded cooked beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu for the chicken. Use vegetarian enchilada sauce for a meatless version.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total prep and cook time is approximately 40 minutes, making it a quick enchiladas perfect for weeknights.

Can I freeze leftover enchiladas?

Yes, assemble the dish, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Investing in quality kitchen tools makes cooking easier and more fun, helping you achieve restaurant-quality results at home!

9. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade chicken enchiladas. This easy dinner recipe delivers wholesome flavor, cheesy goodness, and quick preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal without stress. Give this quick enchiladas recipe a try tonight and enjoy a flavorful dinner that the whole family will love. Remember to explore our other recipes for more inspiring ideas and make your cooking journey delicious and effortless!

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A colorful plate featuring layers of enchiladas with melted cheese, savory sauce, and fresh cilantro garnish, ready to serve.

Effortless Enchilada Extravaganza: Your Dinner Delight

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Effortless Enchilada Extravaganza: Your Dinner Delight is a quick and easy recipe for delicious chicken enchiladas that are packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create a satisfying meal everyone will love. Enjoy a flavorful, cheesy, and comforting dinner in just under an hour with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Warm tortillas briefly to make them more pliable. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  3. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled rolls. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top for a cheesy crust. Cover with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add some chopped green chilies or jalapeños inside the tortillas before rolling.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, include hot sauce in the enchilada sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Flexible, can be adapted for vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 330 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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