Easy & Delicious Chicken Enchiladas: Your Go-To Recipe

Published on: November 21, 2025

Cheesy chicken enchiladas topped with cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream, served on a clean white plate with vibrant green sauce.

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! These chicken enchiladas are the epitome of comfort food, packed with savory chicken, rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This recipe makes preparing a classic Mexican-inspired dish surprisingly simple and utterly delicious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, you’ll love how easily these come together.

Enchiladas have a rich culinary history, with their origins tracing back to ancient Aztec times in Mexico.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Enchiladas

Quick & Simple Preparation: We use readily available ingredients and straightforward steps.
Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry already.
Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the spice level or type of sauce to your liking.
Perfect for Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this cheesy dish.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time for convenient meal prep.
Rich & Savory Perfection: Every bite is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering chicken enchiladas:

16 whole corn tortillas
2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cumin, for sprinkling
Chili powder, for sprinkling
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 whole large onion, diced
3 cans (15 oz. size) green enchilada sauce (or use red if preferred!)
3 c. grated cheddar/jack cheese (more if needed)
Sour cream, for serving (optional garnish)
Diced tomato, for serving (optional garnish)
Chopped cilantro, for serving (optional garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a traditional flavor and texture, or flour tortillas if you prefer a softer bite.
Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully here to save time.
Enchilada Sauce: Green enchilada sauce offers a brighter, tangier flavor, while red enchilada sauce is richer. Canned sauce is easy, but feel free to use homemade.
Cheese: A blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack or Colby Jack offers excellent melt and flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, like canola or grapeseed, will work in its place.
Spices: Adjust the amounts of cumin and chili powder to suit your personal taste preferences.
Onions: Yellow or white onions are ideal for caramelizing and adding a sweet depth to the filling.
Toppings: Enhance your enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Tongs or spatula
Fork (for shredding chicken)
Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)

Instructions

Creating delicious chicken enchiladas is easier than you think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect meal every time.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when your enchiladas are assembled.
Warm Tortillas: Gently warm each corn tortilla over a medium-heat stovetop burner for about 30 seconds per side, just until they soften. This prevents tearing during rolling. Stack the warmed tortillas aside.
Cook Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts generously with cumin and chili powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to finely shred the chicken.
Caramelize Onions: Add the diced onion to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until they become deeply golden brown and beautifully caramelized. Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
Warm Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce warm through gently while you prepare for assembly.
Assemble Enchiladas: Pour 2 cups of the warm enchilada sauce into the bottom of your 9×13 inch casserole dish. To assemble each enchilada, dip a warmed tortilla into the sauce, then lay it flat on a sheet pan or plate. Down the center of the tortilla, sprinkle a portion of the grated cheese, followed by some shredded chicken, and finally, a spoonful of the caramelized onions.
Roll Tightly: Roll the tortilla up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the rolled enchilada, seam side down, into the prepared casserole dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until the dish is full.
Cover & Bake: Pour the rest of the warm enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with the remaining grated cheese. For an extra touch of flavor, give it a final light sprinkling of chili powder. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows the enchiladas to set, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
Garnish & Serve: Serve 2 enchiladas per person. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your homemade chicken enchiladas!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfectly Warmed Tortillas: Never skip warming your tortillas! Softening them makes them pliable and prevents tearing when you roll the enchiladas.
Don’t Rush Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time but is essential. This step adds a deep, sweet, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Prevent Soggy Enchiladas: Briefly dip tortillas in sauce, don’t let them soak. Over-soaking leads to mushy results.
Allow Resting Time: Resting is key for these cheesy chicken enchiladas. It helps the filling and cheese set, so they hold their shape when served.
Adjust Spice Level: Customize your enchiladas by adding a pinch more chili powder, a dash of hot sauce to the filling, or even finely diced jalapeños.
Evenly Distribute Filling: Spread the filling components across the tortilla evenly for a balanced and delicious bite in every part of your enchilada.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These savory chicken enchiladas are versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside classic Mexican rice, a side of creamy refried beans, or a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Storage: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They taste just as good the next day!
Freezing: To freeze baked enchiladas, allow them to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger batch, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.
Meat Variations: Experiment with different proteins! Try ground beef, pork carnitas, or even ground turkey for a lighter version of this enchilada dish.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and create a delicious vegetarian filling with black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, and a touch of roasted sweet potato.
Spice Boost: For those who love heat, mix finely diced fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chicken filling.
Creamy Touch: Stir 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese into the shredded chicken mixture for an extra creamy and rich filling.

Nutrition

Enjoying homemade food means you know exactly what’s going into your body. This delicious chicken enchiladas recipe offers a balanced meal. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	486 Calories
Fat Content	25 g
Saturated Fat Content	11 g
Trans Fat Content	0 g
Cholesterol Content	77 mg
Sodium Content	1758 mg
Carbohydrate Content	32 g
Fiber Content	7 g
Sugar Content	13 g
Protein Content	28 g

FAQ

Corn or flour tortillas? Corn tortillas offer an authentic taste and firmer texture, while flour tortillas provide a softer, chewy enchilada. Choose based on your preference!
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that significantly speeds up prep time for your chicken enchiladas.
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to one day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
How do I freeze cooked enchiladas? Cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat in the oven.
What if my tortillas tear? Tearing often happens if tortillas aren’t warm enough. Don’t worry, just patch it up with another small piece or embrace the rustic look – they’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make my own enchilada sauce? Definitely! Homemade enchilada sauce offers fresher flavors. Many recipes are available online if you’re feeling adventurous.

Conclusion

You now have all the tools to create incredibly satisfying and simple chicken enchiladas right in your own kitchen. This recipe proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and watch as this dish becomes a cherished family favorite. We encourage you to try these fantastic enchiladas tonight!