Chicken Enchiladas

Savor the World.

Chicken Enchiladas

Don’t doubt it, you’ve found it! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to make, Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect option for you. They have a unique flavor, and these enchiladas are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick meal or a special dinner. Surprise everyone with this homemade recipe that has the traditional Mexican touch!

Chicken Enchiladas

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breasts
12 corn tortillas
1 cup green sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Required Equipment:

A frying pan
A baking dish
Measuring spoons
Cheese grater

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Originally, enchiladas were made with corn tortillas filled with stews or even insects, like escamoles, which were highly appreciated in ancient Mexican cuisine. Today, enchiladas are so popular that there are many variations, from the classic chicken ones to versions with seafood, beef, and even vegetarian options. It’s a true feast for lovers of Mexican cuisine!

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): Let's get started! Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the enchiladas inside. This is important so that your enchiladas cook evenly and the cheese melts nicely, creating that golden, crispy layer that we all love.
In a frying pan with olive oil, sauté the garlic powder and cumin over medium heat for 1-2 minutes: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic powder and cumin. Sauté them together for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release their aromas and spices. This will create a delicious base of flavor for the chicken mixture.
Add the shredded chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste: Now, incorporate the shredded chicken into the pan with the spices and cook it all together for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the garlic and cumin. It already smells so good! Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Now your chicken is ready for the enchilada filling.
In a baking dish, place a layer of green sauce at the bottom: Take a baking dish suitable for the enchiladas. Place a thin layer of green sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent the tortillas from sticking while baking. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the dish to achieve the same effect. This layer also adds flavor and moisture to the enchiladas, ensuring they don't dry out during baking.
Fill the tortillas with the cooked chicken and roll them up, placing them in the baking dish: Take each corn tortilla and, using a spoon, place a portion of the seasoned chicken in the center of each tortilla and spread it along its length. Roll up the tortillas tightly to form tacos, and then place them in the baking dish with the seam facing down to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
Add a layer of sour cream and cover with shredded cheese: You're doing great! Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, spread a layer of sour cream over each one. This cream will add a rich, smooth texture that complements the chicken's flavor. Then, cover everything with a generous layer of shredded cheese, which will give the enchiladas a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
Top with the remaining green sauce and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden: Now pour the rest of the green sauce over the enchiladas, making sure they're well covered so they can absorb all the flavors during baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and has a golden, crispy top.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked chicken enchiladas: Once the enchiladas are ready, carefully take them out of the oven. Let them cool slightly, but serve them hot, accompanied by rice, beans, or guacamole, according to your taste. Enjoy this delicious homemade dish!

Preparation Tips:

Make sure the tortillas are soft enough to prevent them from tearing when rolling them. If needed, heat them briefly in a pan or microwave before filling them.
If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add fresh or dried chiles to the green sauce to give it a spicy kick.
The chicken should be fully shredded so it spreads evenly throughout the enchiladas.
If you prefer a crunchier texture for the cheese, you can bake the enchiladas for a few extra minutes until the cheese is not only golden but bubbly as well.
Use a baking dish of the right size so the enchiladas aren’t too packed or too far apart. This will allow for better cooking.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 300 per serving
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional Benefits:

Chicken enchiladas are an excellent source of lean protein thanks to the chicken, which contains plenty of protein that aids in muscle repair and growth. The green sauce provides a touch of vitamin C due to the tomatoes and chiles. Additionally, the shredded cheese offers calcium to keep your bones and teeth strong, while the sour cream adds a dose of healthy fats to improve vitamin absorption. This chicken enchilada recipe is a balanced option for anyone looking for a tasty, nutrient-packed meal.

Recipe History or Inspiration:

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that has its roots in pre-Hispanic times. For centuries, Mexicans have enjoyed tortillas filled with meat or vegetables, covered in sauce, and then cooked until they form a delicious crispy layer. Baked chicken enchiladas are a more modern variation, combining the classic flavor with the indulgence of a melted cheese layer. It’s a comforting dish full of history that has evolved to become a favorite among many Mexican families and around the world.

Suggested Side Dishes:

Mexican rice with black beans.
Guacamole and tortilla chips.
Fresh nopal salad with red onion and cilantro.
A light vegetable soup to balance the meal.
Grilled corn with mayonnaise, fresh cheese, and chili powder.

Recipe Variations:

Chicken Enchiladas with Mole: In this version, simply replace the green sauce with mole poblano for a deeper, more traditional flavor.

Chicken Enchiladas with Spinach: This is a much lighter version, where you just add fresh spinach to the shredded chicken for a healthier and tastier touch.

Beef Enchiladas: Use beef instead of chicken for a different but delicious flavor.

Chicken Enchiladas in Red Sauce: Simple, swap the green sauce for a red guajillo chile sauce for a smokier and spicier twist.

Vegan Chicken Enchiladas: For our vegan friends, replace the chicken with plant-based protein or tofu, and use vegan cheese and cashew cream to make a version without animal products.

We hope this chicken enchilada recipe has sparked your appetite and inspired you to make it at home. Don’t hesitate, it’s a delicious and easy option to prepare for any occasion, and we’re sure you’ll impress everyone with its flavor! Happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.