Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is popular all around the world. This delicious and flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a party with friends. Enchiladas are made up of tortillas that are filled with meat, vegetables, and cheese, and then smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. In this post, we’ll take a look at a delicious and easy chicken enchilada recipe that you can try at home.
Here are the ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until the chicken is coated with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
- Turn the heat down to low and let the chicken mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken is simmering, warm up the corn tortillas in a microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven for a few minutes until they are pliable.
- Pour a small amount of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spoon a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly.
- Place the rolled-up tortillas seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Tips for making perfect chicken enchiladas:
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts in advance.
- Be sure to warm up the tortillas before filling them to prevent them from cracking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the enchiladas instead of a fork to avoid them falling apart.
- For extra flavor, you can add jalapenos or diced green chilies to the chicken mixture.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese, it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Health Benefits of Chicken Enchilada recipe:
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty and satisfying meal, but did you know that they can also be a healthy addition to your diet? Chicken is a lean source of protein that can help to build and repair muscle tissue, and also provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the vegetables in this recipe provide important nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
The chili powder, cumin, and paprika in this recipe are also rich in antioxidants that can help to protect against oxidative damage and inflammation in the body. However, it’s important to note that some pre-made enchilada sauces can be high in sodium, so be sure to choose a low-sodium option if possible or make your own sauce at home.
Variations:
One of the best things about chicken enchilada recipes is that they are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations to try:
- Swap out the chicken for beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some heat by incorporating chopped jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Top the enchiladas with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy and refreshing touch.
No matter how you choose to customize your chicken enchiladas recipe, they are sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
Presentation:
While taste is the most important aspect of any dish, the presentation can also make a big impact. Here are a few tips for serving up your chicken enchilada recipe in a visually appealing way:
- Use a colorful baking dish to add some visual interest to the dish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or diced tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the enchiladas.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
By taking a few extra steps to make your chicken enchilada recipe visually appealing, you can elevate this dish from a simple weeknight meal to an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
Conclusion:
Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With this easy and flavorful recipe, you can have a homemade dinner on the table in no time. Whether you choose to stick to the classic ingredients or mix them up with some creative variations, there’s no denying that chicken enchilada recipes are a crowd-pleaser. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it can be?