Hearty Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
6 large flour tortillas
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sliced olives, diced tomatoes

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they're soft and fragrant.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and green chiles. Mix until you have a creamy sauce.
Pour half of the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and mix well.
Scoop a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam side down in a baking dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, making sure they're all covered.
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the cheese and tortillas.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings as desired.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to sauté the onions, garlic, and chicken.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and green chiles to create the sauce.
Baking Dish - A baking dish is needed to place the rolled tortillas in before baking.
Oven - An oven is required to bake the chicken enchiladas.
Spatula - A spatula can be handy for flipping and transferring the cooked chicken.
Knife - A knife is needed to chop the onions and garlic.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is required for chopping the onions and garlic.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the spices and other smaller measurements.
Optional: Garnish Tools - If using optional toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, olives, or tomatoes, tools like a knife or vegetable chopper may be needed to prepare them.

Recipe variations

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a more traditional enchilada flavor.
Replace the chicken with cooked and shredded beef, pork, or even shrimp for different protein options.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Add black beans or pinto beans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Include some fresh chopped cilantro or chopped fresh tomatoes in the filling mixture for added freshness.
For a creamier sauce, mix in some cream cheese or Greek yogurt with the sour cream and cream of chicken soup.
Top the enchiladas with a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Mexico right at home with this simple and hearty Chicken Enchiladas recipe. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a flavorful sauce, all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly. You'll love the balance of textures and the warm, satisfying taste of this homemade meal. This recipe can be easily customized with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, or tomatoes. With its easy preparation and common ingredients, this chicken enchiladas recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and proceed with the remaining instructions.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may be more delicate and prone to tearing, so handle them carefully when rolling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you're ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, allowing for a slightly longer baking time since the enchiladas will be cold.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese. While cheddar cheese is commonly used in chicken enchiladas, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A rectangular or square baking dish, around 9x13 inches, to hold and bake the enchiladas.
Skillet - A large skillet for sautéing the onions and garlic, and mixing the chicken with the sauce.
Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and green chiles to make the sauce.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet and bowl.
Oven - An oven for preheating and baking the enchiladas.
Cheese grater - If using block cheese, a cheese grater will be needed to shred the cheddar cheese.
Knife - A knife for chopping the onions and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board for safely chopping the onions and garlic.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the shredded chicken, sour cream, and cheese.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for measuring salt and pepper.

Origin stories

Enchiladas, a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, trace their origins back to the ancient pre-Columbian era. The precursor to the enchilada was likely created by the Mayans, who lived in the region now known as Mexico over 2000 years ago. They would traditionally wrap small fish in tortillas for meals. Over time, this simple practice evolved, with new ingredients being introduced by different cultures and influences. Today, enchiladas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from chicken and cheese to beans and vegetables, but the essence remains the same: a filling rolled in a tortilla, smothered in chili sauce. This dish is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mexican culinary tradition.

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.