A definite crowd-pleaser.

This authentic enchilada recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners looking to make tasty and traditional chicken enchiladas at home.

All your Mexican food fantasies are about to come true!

Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Authentic Homemade Chicken Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish made with a few simple ingredients.

They typically consist of corn tortillas that are filled with shredded chicken, cheese and sometimes vegetables.

The filled tortillas are then covered in a homemade or store-bought red enchilada sauce and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

It’s worth noting that authentic homemade chicken enchiladas can vary depending on the cook and the region.

You may find variations on ingredients and methods but the traditional version is always made with a red sauce and filled with shredded chicken, cheese and sometimes vegetables.

Ingredients

The ingredients can make the whole dish—make sure you have good ones.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein ingredient of the enchiladas. It is cooked, shredded and then mixed with the enchilada sauce to fill the tortillas.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, it adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish and also used as a cooking medium.
Onion: A staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, adds flavor and is a base ingredient for the enchilada sauce. It is diced and sautéed with garlic before adding the chicken broth and red enchilada sauce.
Garlic: Garlic adds flavor and aroma to the dish, it is minced and sautéed with the onions before adding the chicken broth and red enchilada sauce.
Chicken broth: It is added to the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic, it is used as a base for the enchilada sauce and also adds a rich chicken flavor to the dish.
Red enchilada sauce: This is the key ingredient that gives the dish its traditional flavor, this canned sauce is added to the skillet with the chicken broth and simmered for a few minutes.
Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditionally used for enchiladas, they are dipped in the enchilada sauce mixture before filling with the chicken and cheese.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: There’s no such thing as too cheesy. Cheese is added to the filling and also sprinkled on top of the enchiladas before baking, it gives a nice cheesy, gooey texture and flavor to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Used to season the chicken, it enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Toppings : Toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and avocado or guacamole (optional) add a fresh and contrasting flavor and texture to the dish.

Authentic Enchilada Recipe - Chicken Filling

How to store chicken enchiladas

Storing chicken enchiladas properly will help to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Here’s a quick guide on how to store chicken enchiladas:

Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent any condensation from forming inside the container and will help to prevent the enchiladas from getting soggy.
Wrapping the enchiladas individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil will help to keep them fresh. This will also prevent them from sticking together, making it easier to reheat them later.
Place the wrapped enchiladas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and label with the date. This will help to keep the enchiladas fresh for as long as possible.
Keep the enchiladas in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan on keeping them for longer, it’s best to freeze them.

It’s important to reheat chicken enchiladas properly before consuming, as they have been stored in the fridge or freezer.

This will ensure that they are heated through and that the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to freeze chicken enchiladas

To freeze chicken enchiladas, first make sure they have cooled completely.

Then, wrap each enchilada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped enchiladas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and label with the date.

Properly stored, they will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months.

To thaw, place the frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before reheating in the oven.

How to reheat chicken enchiladas

There are a few ways to reheat chicken enchiladas to make sure they taste just as good as when they were first made:

Oven: The best way to reheat enchiladas is by placing them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method will keep the enchiladas crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat enchiladas in the microwave, but they might not be as crispy. To do this, place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them in 30-second intervals until they are heated through.
Skillet: You can also reheat enchiladas in a skillet over medium heat. This method will give you the best of both worlds, as it crisps up the outside and heats through the inside. You can add a little bit of oil or butter to the skillet to crisp them up.
Steamer: If you want to keep the enchiladas moist, you can reheat them in a steamer. This method will help to keep the enchiladas from drying out and keep them warm for a while.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat the enchiladas until they are heated through.

If you’re unsure if they’re ready, you can always cut one open to check.

More Traditional Mexican Recipes

Chicken Enchilada FAQs

What do you serve with chicken enchiladas?

Typically, chicken enchiladas are served with a variety of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado or guacamole. They can also be served with refried beans, Spanish rice, or a simple green salad on the side. Some people also like to add a little bit of salsa or hot sauce to give the dish some added flavor and heat.

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

The secret to good enchiladas is to use quality ingredients and to not overstuff the tortillas. It’s also important to use a good enchilada sauce, whether homemade or store-bought. Additionally, properly heating the tortillas before filling and rolling them can make a big difference in the texture of the final dish.

How do you make real good chicken enchiladas?

To make real good chicken enchiladas, start by using quality ingredients such as fresh tortillas, flavorful chicken, and a homemade or high-quality store-bought enchilada sauce. Cook the chicken fully, shred it and mix it with some of the sauce. Heat the tortillas to make them pliable, then add a good amount of the chicken mixture to each tortilla, roll it up tight and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce and cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What is traditionally in an enchilada?

Traditionally, enchiladas are made with corn tortillas that are filled with various ingredients such as chicken, beef, pork, or cheese, and then rolled up and covered in a chili sauce. They are often topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro. It’s also common to serve them with a side of rice or beans.

Are chicken enchiladas authentic Mexican food?

Yes, chicken enchiladas are a traditional and authentic dish in Mexican cuisine. They are often prepared with a red or green chili sauce and can be made with various fillings such as chicken, cheese, and vegetables.

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

The best cheese for enchiladas is one that will melt easily and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. Some popular choices include cheddar, Monterey jack, and queso quesadilla. In Mexico, a traditional cheese for enchiladas is Chihuahua cheese or asadero cheese. Some people also like to use a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Authentic Enchilada Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchiladas

5 from 1 vote

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

hour

Ingredients

1 lb 1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp 1 olive oil
1 1 onion, diced
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 cups 2 chicken broth
1 1 can of red enchilada sauce
8 8 corn tortillas
1 cup 1 shredded Monterey Jack blend cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and avocado or guacamole (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and red enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce mixture, then place a spoonful of shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese down the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the enchiladas with your desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Be sure to shred the chicken properly. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, this will ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed in the enchiladas.
When filling the tortillas, be careful not to overstuff them. This will make them harder to roll and may cause them to break open during baking.
Before baking, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. This will ensure that the cheese is nicely melted.
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle.