Ben Kenwood November 25, 2025

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Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Name: Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 cup enchilada sauce; 8 corn tortillas; 1/2 cup diced onions (optional); 1/2 cup black beans (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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As the sun sets on a busy weeknight, the aroma of sizzling chicken and melted cheese fills the kitchen, instantly transforming it into a cozy haven. This is the magic of Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas. With their tender tortillas stuffed with a hearty blend of shredded chicken and cheese, then smothered in rich enchilada sauce, these enchiladas make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a comforting escape after a long day. The best part? They can be whipped up in no time, bringing a taste of homestyle cooking into your home without the fuss.

Why This Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas Works

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas. Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they also deliver on flavor and comfort, making them a family favorite. Here are a few compelling reasons to put this dish on your dinner table:

Deliciously cheesy and savory
Quick prep and cook time
Perfect for using up leftover chicken
Adaptable for various dietary preferences
Fun to assemble and serve

These enchiladas strike the right balance between ease and taste, ensuring that a hearty meal is always just a quick step away.

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the essential components that create the magic of these enchiladas. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. Feel free to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch or adjust add-ins according to your family’s preferences. Here’s what you need:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
1/2 cup black beans (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Bringing It Together

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to put it all together! Follow these simple steps to create your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). The gentle heat will soon envelop your enchiladas, ensuring they come out bubbling and golden.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions (if using) and sauté until they become translucent, filling your kitchen with their sweet aroma.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, half of the cheese, half of the enchilada sauce, and season with salt and pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful heart of your enchiladas.
Soften the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and easy to roll. This small step will make a world of difference in the final presentation.
Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Each roll is like a cozy little package just waiting to be devoured.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, allowing the saucy goodness to seep into the crevices, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, creating an inviting golden crust.
Serve hot and enjoy! The cheesy, savory goodness is sure to bring everyone to the table, ready to indulge.

Prep ~ 20 min, Cook ~ 20 min, Total ~ 40 min, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 320 (approx.)

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

If you want to save time, consider prepping your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas in advance. You can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day, cover them tightly with foil, and store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with chilled enchiladas. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking. Simply wrap the assembled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover enchiladas are a delicious treat for lunch or dinner the next day. To store them, let the enchiladas cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. A good sign they’re ready is the cheese bubbling up and emitting a delightful aroma!

Perfect Pairings

Delicious enchiladas deserve delightful companions! Consider these serving suggestions to complement your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas:

Fresh guacamole topped with lime juice and cilantro
A zesty corn salad with tomatoes, onions, and lime
A side of refried beans for a hearty addition
Sliced jalapeños for those who crave some heat
A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette

These additions will round out your meal beautifully and create a festive atmosphere at your table.

Variations and Swaps

Want to give your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas a twist? Here are some exciting variations to consider:

Vegetarian Delight: Swap the cooked chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. This makes for a vibrant, colorful dish that everyone will love.
Spice It Up: Add diced green chilies or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist.
Whole Wheat Tortillas: For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas instead of corn. They add a nutty flavor and more fiber.
Add Protein: For an extra protein punch, mix in some black beans or pinto beans with the chicken filling.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a version of Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas that’s uniquely yours!

Pro Tips for Best Results

To ensure your enchiladas turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Warm tortillas before filling to avoid cracks and tears.
Use a generous amount of sauce to keep the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
Bake uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking to develop a delightful cheesy crust.
Check for doneness by ensuring the filling is steaming hot throughout and the cheese is bubbly.
Consider using a meat thermometer; chicken should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
How can I make these enchiladas gluten-free?
Simply swap corn tortillas with gluten-free tortillas, and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I make enchiladas without cheese?
Certainly! You can skip the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter dish.
How can I enhance the flavor of my enchiladas?
Consider adding spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to the chicken mixture for additional depth of flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these enchiladas?
Serve them with a side of fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a scoop of sour cream for extra enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of savoring homemade Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas. With their warm, cheesy goodness and the delightful burst of flavors, they remind us of the happiness found around the dinner table. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, enjoy, and create lasting memories with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner chef, and whip up a batch of these comforting enchiladas soon—you won’t regret it!

Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Delicious and cheesy chicken enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese, smothered in enchilada sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
1/2 cup black beans (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent.
Mix shredded chicken, half of the cheese, half of the enchilada sauce, and season with salt and pepper in a bowl.
Soften the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Place a scoop of the chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve hot and enjoy.