Delicious and Authentic Monterey Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 10 corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (10 oz) Enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Saute until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool before shredding it with a fork.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, half the Monterey Jack cheese, salt, pepper, cumin, half the cilantro, and the juice from the lime.
  5. Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Dip each tortilla into the remaining sauce and fill with the chicken mixture. Roll up and place seam-side down in the dish.
  6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and the remaining fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - Used to sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
  • Baking Dish - Used to bake the enchiladas in the oven.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the shredded chicken and other ingredients.
  • Fork - Used to shred the cooked chicken.
  • Spatula - Used to flip and remove the chicken breasts from the skillet.
  • Oven - Used to bake the enchiladas.
  • Cheese Grater - Used to shred the Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Add diced green chilies or jalapenos for extra heat.
  • Try different types of cheese such as cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
  • Make it a vegetarian option by substituting the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables.
  • Add a layer of sliced avocado or guacamole before rolling up the enchiladas.
  • Experiment with different enchilada sauces such as green sauce or mole sauce.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to enhance the flavors.
  • Garnish with sliced black olives or diced tomatoes for added freshness.
  • Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Monterey Chicken Enchiladas! This recipe combines succulent chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a vibrant mix of onion, garlic, and bell pepper, all rolled up in corn tortillas and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream add the finishing touches to this classic Mexican dish. Expect a deliciously satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful blend of textures and tastes - the soft tortillas, the juicy chicken, the gooey cheese, and the tangy sauce. This recipe serves 4-6 and takes about an hour to prepare and cook, but the amazing flavors make it worth every minute. Start cooking and enjoy these Monterey Chicken Enchiladas today!

Common questions

  1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
  2. Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if you prefer. The texture and taste will be slightly different, but it will still work well for this recipe.
  3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
  4. Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you have it on hand. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and mix it with the other ingredients before filling the tortillas.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  6. Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  8. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the enchiladas to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
  9. What can I serve with Monterey chicken enchiladas?
  10. These enchiladas go well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with guacamole, salsa, and additional sour cream for dipping.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the chicken filling.
  • Skillet - Used to sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
  • Baking Dish - A dish to assemble and bake the enchiladas.
  • Fork - To shred the cooked chicken.
  • Cheese Grater - To shred the Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Spatula - To flip and remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • Oven - To bake the enchiladas.
  • Lime Juicer - To extract juice from the lime.

Origin stories

Enchiladas trace their roots back to the ancient Aztec civilization in present-day Mexico, where they were known as "tlaxcalli". They were originally tortillas rolled around small fish. The recipe has evolved over centuries, integrating various ingredients introduced by different cultures. The version we know today, filled with ingredients like chicken and cheese, became popular in the 19th century during the Mexican-American war. Interestingly, Monterey Jack cheese, a key ingredient in this recipe, is not Mexican but American. Named after Monterey, California, it's a semi-hard cheese known for its mild flavor and smooth meltability, making it an ideal cheese for many Mexican-American fusion dishes like our Monterey chicken enchiladas.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.