Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas

A classic, crowd-pleasing chicken enchilada recipe that's been perfected for the home kitchen. Tender shredded chicken and melty cheese are wrapped in soft corn tortillas and smothered in a rich, smoky red enchilada sauce. This is the kind of reliable, deeply satisfying dish that the whole family will request again and again — perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

6 servings · Prep 25 min · Cook 35 min · Total 60 min

Main Course

Enchilada Sauce

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Main

  • 3 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 12 piece corn tortillas 6-inch
  • 2.5 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend divided

Chicken Filling

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced green chiles drained
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened, cubed

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 avocado sliced or diced
  • 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Skillet
  • Paper Towel
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Baking Dish (9 x 13)
  • Grater

Instructions

  1. Heat ~[2 tablespoons] of @[Vegetable Oil] in a #[Saucepan] over ^[medium heat]. Add the @[All-Purpose Flour] and whisk constantly for ~[1 minute] to cook out the raw flour taste — it will turn a light golden color.
  2. Add the @[Chili Powder], @[Cumin], @[Garlic Powder], @[Smoked Paprika], and @[Oregano] to the pan. Whisk for ~[30 seconds] until fragrant and the spices are fully incorporated with the roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the @[Chicken Broth] while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the @[Tomato Sauce] and @[Salt], then stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for ~[8–10 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust @[Salt] as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Heat ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Vegetable Oil] in a #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat]. Add the diced @[Yellow Onion] and cook for ~[4–5 minutes] until softened and translucent. Add the minced @[Garlic] and cook for ~[1 more minute] until fragrant.
  5. Add the shredded @[Chicken], drained @[Green Chiles], @[Cumin], and @[Salt] to the #[Skillet]. Stir to combine and cook for ~[2 minutes] to warm through.
  6. Add the softened @[Cream Cheese] to the #[Skillet]. Stir over ^[low heat] for ~[1–2 minutes] until fully melted and the filling is creamy and well combined. Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded @[Mexican Cheese Blend] and about ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce for extra flavor.
  7. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![375°F]. Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a #[Baking Dish] — this prevents the @[Corn Tortillas] from sticking.
  8. Warm the @[Corn Tortillas] so they roll without cracking: wrap them in a damp paper towel and #[Microwave] for ~[45–60 seconds], or heat them one at a time in a dry #[Skillet] for ~[20 seconds] per side. Keep them covered with a towel as you work.
  9. Working one at a time, spoon about ~[3 tablespoons] of filling down the center of each @[Corn Tortilla]. Roll it up snugly and place it seam-side down in the #[Baking Dish]. Repeat with all 12 @[Corn Tortillas], arranging them tightly in two rows.
  10. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled enchiladas, making sure the ends are covered (this keeps the tortilla edges from drying out). Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded @[Mexican Cheese Blend] over the top.
  11. Cover the #[Baking Dish] tightly with #[Aluminum Foil] and bake at ![375°F] for ~[20 minutes]. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional ~[10–15 minutes], until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  12. Remove from the #[Oven] and let rest for ~[5 minutes] before serving. Garnish with fresh @[Cilantro], a drizzle of @[Sour Cream], sliced @[Avocado], and @[Pickled Jalapeños] as desired. Serve immediately.