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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dinner option featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of melty cheeses, and bold enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish balances rich, cheesy goodness with savory spices for a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Tortillas

  • 2 cups shredded boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas

Cheese and Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving or mixing into filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook boneless chicken breasts or thighs by boiling, roasting, or sautéing until fully cooked. Allow to cool slightly, then shred finely with forks or fingers to create tender shredded chicken.
  2. Make the Filling: In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add shredded chicken and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat through to infuse the mixture with spices.
  3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Warm tortillas until pliable. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken filling and shredded cheese into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Pour Sauce and Cheese on Top: Evenly pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient time-saver with added flavor.
  • Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and tearing.
  • Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce to keep enchiladas moist and flavorful.
  • Shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded to improve melting quality.
  • Cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, quick dinner, Mexican dinner, shredded chicken enchiladas, baked enchiladas, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

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