If you are looking for a quick and easy meal that everyone will love, you have come to the right place! Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are a fantastic solution for busy weeknights. They are simple to make, full of flavor, and can be on your table in no time. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These chicken enchiladas are perfect for many reasons. First, they are very easy to prepare. In less than an hour, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. This recipe uses basic ingredients that you might already have at home, making it convenient for anyone. The flavors blend together beautifully, and the melted cheese on top adds a wonderful touch. Whether you are cooking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
HOW TO MAKE Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Making these enchiladas is a breeze. All it takes is a few steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready. Let’s dive into how to make this dish!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To get started, you will need a few kitchen tools:
- A baking dish
- A mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- A spoon or spatula for mixing
- An oven to bake the enchiladas
With these basic tools, you are all set to make your enchiladas!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Here is how to make Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat until all tortillas are filled and in the baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
HOW TO SERVE Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can place them on a plate and top them with extra enchilada sauce, more cheese, or sour cream. They also go well with a side of rice and beans. Adding a simple salad can make the meal even more complete. Enjoy every bite!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through.
You can also freeze the enchiladas. Make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then putting them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many ways to enjoy these enchiladas. You can serve them with:
- A fresh garden salad
- Spanish rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Fresh salsa
These sides pair nicely with the enchiladas and make the meal feel more fulfilling.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize the recipe! Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Enchiladas: Use beans or vegetables instead of chicken.
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
- Different Sauces: Try using green salsa or cheese sauce instead of red enchilada sauce.
- Different Meats: Replace the chicken with shredded beef or pork.
These variations can change the flavor and make the dish perfect for what you have on hand.
FAQs
- Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just make sure to cook it first before shredding it. - How can I make this recipe even quicker?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding. - Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas and refrigerate them before baking. - What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can make a quick sauce with diced tomatoes or use taco sauce as an alternative.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
If you’re planning a busy week, here are some tips to make your life easier:
- Prepare the Filling: You can make the chicken filling a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Assemble in Advance: You can assemble the enchiladas and keep them in the baking dish, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Just take them out and bake when you’re ready.
- Cook in Batches: If you enjoy cooking, make multiple trays and freeze them to have meals ready for later.
With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy delicious enchiladas even on the busiest of days!
Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat until all tortillas are filled and in the baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.