Name: Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 can red enchilada sauce (10 oz), mild or spicy; 8 pieces flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sour cream, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 56 reviews

If you have been searching for a meal that combines bold flavors, comforting textures, and a bit of festive flair, look no further than this Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken wrapped snugly in soft flour tortillas, smothered in a zesty red enchilada sauce, and crowned with melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for sharing at family dinners or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a happy staple in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three rolled tortillas placed close together in a white bowl, each covered with a thick layer of red sauce and melted cheese that has a slightly golden tint. On top of the tortillas, there is a large dollop of white sour cream surrounded by a generous amount of fresh green cilantro leaves, adding a bright contrast. The sauce looks smooth and glossy, slightly dripping over the sides of the tortillas. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface under the bowl, giving focus to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple but purposeful is the secret behind this dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. Each component, from the shredded chicken to the enchilada sauce, plays a vital role in building layers of taste and mouthfeel that make this recipe so memorable.

2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and packs in flavor, but fresh cooked works beautifully too.
1 can Red enchilada sauce (10 oz): This sauce adds the essential tang and spice—choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, lending a creamy richness to every bite.
8 pieces Flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, these are perfect for rolling without cracking.
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil: Helps to gently sauté the aromatics to unlock their flavors.
1 small Onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when cooked down.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Brings fragrant, savory notes that elevate the whole dish.
1 teaspoon Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy undertone that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon Chili powder: Adds a subtle chili heat that enhances the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the spices.
Chopped cilantro for garnish: A fresh burst of color and vibrancy to finish off your enchiladas.
Sour cream for serving: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect partner to the bold flavors.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with cooking your chicken until it’s fully done—boiling, baking, or using rotisserie chicken works seamlessly. Shred the chicken finely with forks or by hand; this ensures it mixes well with the spices and fits nicely into the tortillas.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aroma; this step builds the base flavor for your filling.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with your sautéed onion and garlic. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes so the spices can infuse every bite with warmth and complexity.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour a little bit of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your baking dish to keep the enchiladas from sticking. This not only helps with clean-up but ensures every bite stays juicy.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Lay a flour tortilla flat, spoon a generous helping of the chicken mixture into its center, and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in your baking dish. Repeat this process until you have used all eight tortillas filled with your tasty chicken filling.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese

Now pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re drenched with that vibrant flavor. Then top with the rest of your shredded cheese, preparing it to bake into a bubbly, golden delight.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese brown slightly during an additional 5 to 10 minutes of baking. The result is a dish with a beautifully melted, golden cheese top and a hot, flavorful filling ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Allow your enchiladas to rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. This makes them easier to serve and lets the flavors settle. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh and colorful garnish.

How to Serve Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

The image shows four rolled tortillas on a layer of red sauce in a round cooking pan. The tortillas are covered with melted white and light brown cheese and sprinkled with green chopped herbs. On top of the middle tortillas, there is a big round dollop of white sour cream, also garnished with green herbs. The sauce around the tortillas looks thick and rich, filling the pan edges. The cooking pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t be shy about adding a dollop of creamy sour cream and a handful of fresh cilantro on top. These simple touches add creaminess and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. You can also add slices of avocado or a sprinkle of diced red onions for an extra dimension.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice on the side. For a heartier meal, refried beans or grilled corn can complement the enchiladas’ bold flavors, balancing the richness with fresh or smoky elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual enchiladas on colorful plates garnished with lime wedges and jalapeño slices. You can also turn this into a casserole-style dish for casual family meals where everyone can help themselves. Either way, it looks as inviting as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if cooked from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes covered with foil. This method keeps the cheese from drying out and reheats the filling evenly. If in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas add an authentic touch and bring subtle corn flavor. Just warm them up beforehand to prevent cracking when rolling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with cooked beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of both. The spices and sauce will still deliver that comforting enchilada taste.

How spicy is this Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?

The heat level depends largely on the enchilada sauce you choose. You can pick a mild or spicy sauce to suit your taste, and add jalapeños if you want more kick.

Can I prepare the enchiladas in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving to save time.

What cheese can I substitute for Monterey Jack?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend work well. Monterey Jack is preferred because of its creamy melt, but feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Delicious Chicken Enchiladas Recipe enough—it’s an explosion of comforting flavors with so much love packed into every bite. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy and impress. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new favorites!