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A close-up macro shot of homemade chicken enchiladas, focusing on the texture of the melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A key step in this homemade enchilada recipe.
FL Recipes

Easy Chicken Enchilada Recipe (The Best You'll Ever Make!)

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, straightforward steps. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish features a creamy chicken filling, rich red sauce, and lots of melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Filling
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken A rotisserie chicken works great!
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
For Assembly
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 20 oz red enchilada sauce about 2.5 cups
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for warming tortillas

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and all ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat.
  4. In a separate small skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Warm each corn tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Do not let them get crispy. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Take one warmed tortilla, spoon a portion of the chicken filling down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
  8. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or sour cream if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 30gFat: 28gFiber: 4g

Notes

Tip 1: Using a rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds great flavor.
Tip 2: Don't skip warming the tortillas in oil! This is the key to preventing them from falling apart or getting soggy.
Tip 3: For extra flavor, add a can of diced green chiles to the chicken filling.
Keyword chicken enchiladas,easy enchiladas,weeknight dinner

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