5 Best Chicken Enchiladas for a Quick Family Dinner
Best Chicken Enchiladas completely changed my weeknight dinners. For years, I struggled to find meals that were easy, comforting, and loved by everyone at the table. Then I discovered this chicken enchiladas recipe, and everything changed. These flavorful, cheesy enchiladas turned our hectic evenings into warm, joyful family moments. Now, dinner time feels special, satisfying, and stress-free.
Chicken enchiladas are more than just food. They’re a lifesaver for busy families looking for tasty, easy dinners. Whether you’re a working parent or just short on time, these five recipes will change your dinner game.
Chicken enchiladas are more than just food—they’re a real lifesaver for busy families who want flavorful, easy dinners. Whether you’re a working parent or simply short on time, the best chicken enchiladas offer a perfect balance of comfort, taste, and convenience. These five recipes can truly change your weeknight dinner routine and make mealtime something to look forward to.
Get ready to make family dinners easier and more enjoyable with the best chicken enchiladas. You’ll discover helpful tips for saving time, swapping ingredients, and simplifying meal prep. These recipes go beyond just dinner—they’re a simple way to create stress-free, delicious meals that the whole family will love.
If you’re a fan of enchilada night, these easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas are another delicious option that’s perfect for family dinners.
Table of Contents
Why Chicken Enchiladas Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Chicken enchiladas are a lifesaver for families on tight weeknight schedules. They offer a quick, tasty meal with little prep time. This makes them ideal for busy homes.
Time-Saving Benefits of Enchilada Recipes
Shredding chicken over the weekend makes meal planning much easier and saves valuable time during busy weeknights, especially when preparing the best chicken enchiladas. Preparing ingredients ahead of time can completely change the way you cook and reduce daily stress. You can:
- Make sauce in advance
- Shred chicken during weekend prep
- Assemble entire pans of enchiladas to bake later
- Store prepared components in refrigerator
Family-Friendly Appeal and Customization Options
Enchiladas are a hit with everyone thanks to their mild, comforting flavors, making them a go-to choice for family dinners. The best chicken enchiladas are also incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust fillings, sauces, and toppings to suit every taste.
| Eater Type | Enchilada Customization |
|---|---|
| Picky Eaters | Cheese and chicken only |
| Adventurous Eaters | Extra spice, vegetables, different sauces |
This flexibility ensures everyone enjoys the meal. Enchiladas are also great for parties, feeding many without stress.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Enchiladas
To make delicious chicken enchiladas, start by gathering the right ingredients for the best chicken enchiladas. Your pantry and fridge likely already have most of what you need to create a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Great chicken enchiladas start with quality proteins and fresh ingredients. You’ll need to prepare:
- 2-3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8-10 soft tortillas (corn or flour)
- 16-20 oz enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8-12 oz shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend)
Add extra flavor with these ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- Diced onion and minced garlic
- Spices: cumin, chili powder, and oregano
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2-3 cups shredded chicken | Main filling |
| Cheese | 8-12 oz | Creamy texture and flavor |
| Sauce | 16-20 oz | Moisture and taste |
“The secret to great enchiladas is balancing flavors and using fresh, quality ingredients.”
For a creamy twist, add butter, flour, chicken broth, and sour cream. These make a rich white sauce. Toppings like cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime, and pico de gallo can make your dish even better.
Pro tip: Preparing ingredients ahead of time makes assembling the best chicken enchiladas quick, easy, and completely stress-free!
Choosing Between Corn and Flour Tortillas
Choosing the right tortilla for chicken enchiladas can truly change the final dish, especially when making the best chicken enchiladas. Both corn and flour tortillas bring their own texture and flavor, allowing you to customize the meal to your family’s taste.
Corn tortillas are a classic choice for enchiladas and play a big role in creating the best chicken enchiladas. They add an authentic Mexican flavor with a rich, earthy depth that many people love. Using corn tortillas also helps connect the dish to its cultural roots, making the meal feel more traditional and satisfying.
Traditional Corn Tortillas for Authentic Flavor
Corn tortillas can be a bit tricky to work with and tend to tear more easily, especially when preparing the best chicken enchiladas. With a few simple techniques, you can make them much easier to handle and assemble without breaking. You can:
- Warm corn tortillas in the microwave to keep them flexible for the best chicken enchiladas
- Lightly fry them in a little oil to prevent tearing
- Dip them briefly in warm enchilada sauce before filling
Flour Tortillas for Easy Rolling and Handling
Flour tortillas are easier to roll and hold their shape well, making them ideal for the best chicken enchiladas. They have a softer texture and are more forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginners and cooking with kids.
| Tortilla Type | Flavor | Texture | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Tortillas | Rich, Traditional | Firm, Authentic | More Challenging |
| Flour Tortillas | Mild, Neutral | Soft, Pliable | Easy to Handle |
Your choice depends on your personal taste, cooking skills, and the recipe you’re using. With proper preparation, both options can deliver the best chicken enchiladas every time.
Classic Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce
The secret to this chicken enchilada recipe is the simple homemade enchilada sauce. It adds a rich flavor that store-bought sauces can’t match.
This recipe combines shredded chicken, black beans, and green chiles with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. It’s topped with cheese and baked until golden. This mix creates a true Tex-Mex taste.
- Shredded chicken
- Black beans
- Diced green chiles
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Cheese
To make perfect enchiladas, tightly roll the tortillas with the chicken filling when preparing the best chicken enchiladas. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish lined with sauce to lock in flavor and achieve the perfect texture.
“I highly recommend making our homemade enchilada sauce. It only takes 20 minutes to come together and really takes these enchiladas up a notch in the flavor department.”
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Homemade sauce makes a big difference. You can adjust the spice to your liking.
Pro tip: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish before adding the best chicken enchiladas—this prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy white chicken enchiladas are a tasty twist on traditional Mexican dishes. This recipe uses flour tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, green chiles, and a creamy white sauce. It turns a simple meal into something special.
These enchiladas are loved by families for their mild flavor and rich taste, making them a favorite at the dinner table. The creamy white sauce adds a comforting touch that makes the best chicken enchiladas especially enjoyable for everyone.
Making the Perfect Creamy White Sauce
To make the perfect white sauce, follow these steps:
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
Start by melting butter and flour together to avoid a raw taste. Then, whisk in chicken broth slowly until it thickens. Finish by adding sour cream and green chiles for a tangy, creamy flavor.
Best Cheese Combinations for White Enchiladas
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Melting Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Jack | Mild, creamy | Excellent |
| Mozzarella | Soft, slightly sweet | Very good |
| Cream Cheese | Rich, tangy | Good |
Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese is best. Pro tip: Mixing these cheeses creates a richer taste. A reviewer said: “I have made this recipe so many times…It’s always a hit–even with two picky kiddos.”
“It’s not spicy and has a wonderful creamy sauce that really pulls it all together.”
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas with Tangy Tomatillo Sauce
Green chile chicken enchiladas add a lively touch to your meals. They feature the zesty taste of tomatillo sauce and green chiles. First, you remove the husks from tomatillos, rinse them, and then roast or boil until they’re soft. After that, blend them into a smooth sauce.
The flavor of these enchiladas is truly special. Green chiles give a gentle heat, while cilantro adds a fresh, herbal taste. The chicken filling is simple, letting the sauce take center stage.
- Ingredients for authentic green chile chicken enchiladas:
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded chicken
- Fresh tomatillos
- Green chiles
- Fresh cilantro
- Queso fresco or monterey jack cheese
Traditional methods are key to making these enchiladas. Dip each tortilla in warm green sauce before filling. This adds flavor and prevents tears. While store-bought sauce is available, homemade tomatillo sauce is fresher and easier to make.
| Ingredient | Preparation Tip |
|---|---|
| Tomatillos | Roast or boil until soft, then blend |
| Green Chiles | Choose mild to moderate heat varieties |
| Chicken | Season simply to highlight sauce flavor |
| Tortillas | Dip in warm sauce before filling |
These enchiladas are favorites in some Mexican regions and for those who prefer lighter flavors. Your family will enjoy the fresh, tangy taste of this classic dish. It brings authentic Mexican cuisine to your dinner table.
For a creamy twist on classic chicken dinners, this cream cheese chicken recipe is rich, comforting, and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Best Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans and Cheese
Make your chicken enchiladas healthier and tastier. Add black beans and other ingredients to make it a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
Want to make your enchiladas healthier? Add more veggies. Try sautéed bell peppers or canned corn. These add flavor and vitamins.
- Sauté bell peppers with onions for extra crunch
- Mix in canned corn for sweetness and texture
- Consider adding spinach or zucchini for more nutrients
Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor
For the best chicken enchiladas, season them right. Use these spices for great taste:
- Chili powder (1 tsp)
- Cumin (1 tsp)
- Oregano (½ tsp)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Adobo seasoning for depth
Pro tip: Season the veggies as they cook. Taste the chicken mix before filling tortillas. This way, your enchiladas will be full of flavor and impress everyone.
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas for Heat Lovers
If you love spicy food, you’ll enjoy making spicy chicken enchiladas. It’s all about choosing the right ingredients and managing the heat.
Begin with your enchilada sauce. Use hotter dried chiles like chile de árbol or add cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, add hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo. This makes your sauce smoky and intense.
- Use fresh serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for serious heat
- Replace mild cheese with Pepper Jack to add spice to filling and topping
- Include pickled jalapeños with seeds for maximum heat intensity
For the filling, try hotter green chiles instead of the usual. Add fresh or pickled jalapeños with seeds for more heat. Mince serrano peppers and sauté them with onions and garlic for a strong flavor.
It’s important to balance the heat. Add more chili powder and cayenne pepper slowly, tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more spice but can’t take it away.
To cool down your dish, serve sour cream, creamy guacamole, and fresh lime wedges. These sides balance the heat and make the flavors better.
Quick Tips for Preparing Shredded Chicken
Getting the perfect shredded chicken for enchiladas is easy. You can use Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or a rotisserie chicken. There are many ways to make your chicken tender and flavorful.
Cooking Methods for Chicken
Here are some great ways to cook chicken for enchiladas:
- Oven Roasting: Drizzle boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Boiling: Cover chicken breasts with water or broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Instant Pot: Cook chicken breasts under pressure for 10-15 minutes for quick, tender results.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 3-4 hours for hands-off preparation.
Shredding Techniques
After cooking, shredding the chicken is key. Two primary methods work best:
- Two-Fork Method: Hold the chicken with one fork and pull it apart with another.
- Stand Mixer Method: Place cooked chicken in the mixing bowl and use the paddle attachment to shred quickly.
| Cooking Method | Time | Flavor Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Roasting | 35-45 minutes | High |
| Boiling | 15-20 minutes | Low |
| Instant Pot | 10-15 minutes | Medium |
| Slow Cooker | 3-4 hours | Medium-High |
Pro tip: Cook and shred chicken breasts up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes making enchiladas easy on busy nights.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Enchilada Instructions
Chicken enchiladas are perfect for busy cooks. Making them ahead saves time and stress on weeknights.
Assembling Enchiladas in Advance
You can prepare chicken enchiladas a day before baking. Fill and roll tortillas, place them in a dish, and cover with sauce and cheese. Then, cover it tightly and refrigerate until baking time.
- Prep ingredients up to 5 days ahead
- Shred chicken in advance
- Make sauce 3-4 days early
- Assemble dish the night before cooking
Proper Freezing and Reheating Methods
Freezing chicken enchiladas is great for quick meals. You can freeze a pan for up to 3 months. Just make sure to prepare and store it right.
| Storage Method | Duration | Recommended Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-5 days | Cover tightly, store in original baking dish |
| Freezing (Unbaked) | Up to 3 months | Add sauce and cheese before freezing |
| Freezing (Baked) | Up to 3 months | Wrap securely, prevent freezer burn |
When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Pro tip: Always ensure your sauce is completely cool before freezing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Your Enchiladas
Make your chicken enchiladas even better with tasty side dishes. The right sides can turn a good meal into an amazing one. They add flavor and texture that everyone will love.
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice – Quick and full of flavor, it goes great with enchiladas
- Crock Pot Refried Beans – Creamy and rich, adding depth to your meal
- Fresh Green Salad – Light and crisp, balancing the rich enchiladas
- Corn Salad – Sweet and tangy, a perfect match
Toppings can really make your enchiladas stand out. Offer a variety of garnishes for everyone to customize their dish:
| Topping | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Guacamole | Creamy, rich avocado flavor |
| Pico de Gallo | Fresh, bright, and zesty |
| Sour Cream | Cool and tangy |
| Chopped Red Onion | Sharp and crunchy |
For a special touch, try elote (Mexican street corn) or black beans. A squeeze of lime wedges can brighten the dish. It brings all the flavors together for a wonderful meal.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, exploring quick family dinner ideas can help you plan stress-free meals everyone will love.
Conclusion
Making the perfect chicken enchiladas is like playing in a kitchen playground. These recipes are the best, making meals your family will ask for again and again. They come in classic red sauce and creamy white, each with its own special taste.
These enchilada recipes are easy to make and can be changed in many ways. They’re quick to prepare, taking less than an hour. They suit everyone’s taste, from picky eaters to food adventurers. Many have said it’s the best enchilada recipe they’ve tried, getting great feedback from family and friends.
The key to great enchiladas is using good ingredients and learning the right techniques. Pick a recipe your family likes and add your own twist. With practice, you’ll get better at making these tasty Mexican dishes. I’ve made this recipe many times, and it always gets rave reviews.
Creating special meals is more than following a recipe. It’s about bringing your family together. These chicken enchiladas are a chance to share, connect, and enjoy a meal that will become a family tradition.