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The Best Chicken Enchilada Recipe: Easy, Flavorful & Foolproof

Baked chicken enchilada recipe with melted cheese and cilantro

This chicken enchilada recipe is quick, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in 35 minutes and delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavor in every bite. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 2 cups easy enchilada sauce, divided

  • 8 corn or flour tortillas (see notes for tips)

  • 2½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ¼ cup of enchilada sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and taste for seasoning.

  3. Warm the tortillas until soft.

    • For corn tortillas: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway.

    • For flour tortillas: Microwave on a plate for 1 minute, flipping halfway.

  4. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and sprinkle in some of the 1 cup shredded cheese. Roll tightly.

  5. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in a baking dish.

  6. Pour the remaining 1¾ cups enchilada sauce evenly over the top.

  7. Top with the remaining 1½ cups shredded cheese.

  8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  9. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese.

Notes

  • For the chicken: Use store-bought rotisserie, leftover chicken, or make your own shredded chicken in advance.

  • For flour tortillas: Add an extra ½ cup of chicken, as they’re usually larger.

  • Authentic version: Shallow fry corn tortillas in oil for 5–10 seconds per side, then dip in warm enchilada sauce before filling and rolling.

  • Freezing: Let enchiladas cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat covered at 350ºF until warm.

  • Reheating: Add a spoonful of sauce on top and bake covered to keep them moist.Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods

Nutrition

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