kdolu Chicken enchilada recipe is a top comfort food loved by families across the world. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party meal, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for all ages.
In this blog, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect chicken enchilada recipe, including nutritional details, price, benefits, expert tips, and even event-specific variations.
Let’s roll into it (pun intended)!
🥘 What is a Chicken Enchilada?
A chicken enchilada is a warm tortilla filled with seasoned chicken, rolled up, and topped with red enchilada sauce and cheese. Then, it’s baked until bubbling and golden. It’s originally from Mexico but loved worldwide, especially in the U.S.
📍 Where Is This Recipe Popular?
Chicken enchiladas are popular in Mexico, Texas, California, and across the Southern United States. They’ve made their way into kitchens across Canada, Europe, and Asia thanks to their delicious flavor and ease of preparation.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Chicken Enchilada Recipe
A real-life example: Sarah, a working mom in Texas, makes this recipe every Tuesday after soccer practice because it’s quick, filling, and a hit with her kids.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 3 cups |
| Flour tortillas | 8 large |
| Red enchilada sauce | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese | 2 cups (cheddar or Mexican blend) |
| Onion (optional) | 1 small, chopped |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
| Sour cream | For topping |
👨🍳 Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill the tortillas: Place chicken in the center of each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up each tortilla.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch dish.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro and serve with sour cream.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
💸 Price Breakdown (Approx. for 4 Servings)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicken (3 cups) | $4.00 |
| Tortillas (8 large) | $2.50 |
| Enchilada sauce | $1.80 |
| Cheese (2 cups) | $2.50 |
| Onion, spices, oil | $1.20 |
| Total | $12.00 (Only $3.00 per person!) |
🎉 When to Serve Chicken Enchiladas?
Chicken enchiladas are perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Potluck parties
- Birthday lunches
- Cinco de Mayo celebrations
- Game day meals
- Meal prep for the week
They freeze well and reheat beautifully!
🩺 Doctor’s Advice on Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Dr. Anna Miller, Registered Dietitian, says:
“Chicken enchiladas can be a balanced meal if prepared with lean chicken, low-sodium sauce, and whole wheat tortillas. Add veggies to increase fiber and reduce calories.”
✅ Advantages of Chicken Enchiladas
- Quick to make (under 40 minutes)
- Kids love it
- High in protein
- Great for leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for gatherings
❌ Disadvantages of Chicken Enchiladas
- Some sauces may be high in sodium
- Can be high in calories if overloaded with cheese
- Not ideal for gluten-free diets unless using corn or gluten-free tortillas
🛠️ Practical Use and Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a fast option.
- Swap red sauce for green tomatillo sauce for a twist.
- Add black beans or corn for extra nutrition.
- Try low-fat cheese or skip the cheese for a lighter meal.
🔁 Real-Life Case Study
Case Study: The Hernandez Family from Arizona
They batch-cook 24 enchiladas every Sunday. Half goes into the freezer. With four school-aged kids, it saves them hours during the week. The family reports better eating habits and lower takeout costs!
🔗 External Resources for Better Cooking
- How to make homemade enchilada sauce – Cookie and Kate
- Chicken enchiladas with video tutorial – Simply Recipes
🧠 FAQs About Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for chicken enchiladas?
Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix works best.
Q3: Can I make chicken enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Use airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q5: Are chicken enchiladas spicy?
Not necessarily. Use mild enchilada sauce to keep it kid-friendly.
🏁 Conclusion
This chicken enchilada recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a group of friends, or just meal prepping for the week, this recipe is fast, flexible, and full of flavor.
With benefits like affordability, quick prep, and easy storage, there’s every reason to try this dish today. So grab your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and let your oven do the magic!
