Ben Kenwood December 15, 2025

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Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Name: Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); 1 cup enchilada sauce; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream and cilantro for garnish (optional)

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The warmth of a family kitchen, the enticing aroma of spices wafting through the air, and the sizzle of tortillas on the stove — these are the moments that make preparing a meal special. Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that enchant the senses. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a casual get-together, these enchiladas are perfect for creating lasting memories around the table.

Reasons to Love This Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe is beloved for its simplicity and flavor. You’ll adore how it transforms humble ingredients into a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Here are a few reasons to love this scrumptious meal:

Quick preparation time, perfect for busy evenings
Rich flavors with minimal fuss
Versatile recipe that accommodates various tastes and preferences
Delightful textures to please every palate
Easy-to-customize for family favorites

Gather These Ingredients

Creating these enchiladas means gathering a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully. If you wish to tweak the recipe, there are simple swaps, like using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner touch. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step by Step: How to Cook Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Ready to embark on a savory adventure? Making Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps to create your flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix the shredded chicken, half of the cheese, diced onions, optional bell peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until everything is coated evenly with the flavorful spices.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, then roll them up snugly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. The colors and aromas will start to inspire your appetite!
Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, drenching them in deliciousness, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a golden finish.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired. The cheese will be melty and enticing, while the enchiladas offer a hearty bite that appears irresistibly comforting.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 4-6, Kcal ~ 350.

Plan Ahead

If you want to save time on weeknights or ensure you have a comforting meal ready to go, consider preparing ahead. You can make the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or you could assemble the entire dish ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Freeze the unbaked enchiladas, and when a cravings strikes, all you’ll need to do is add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover enchiladas? No problem! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just cover them with foil or transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy some enchiladas again, gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave—just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get tough. A freshness cue is the melty cheese and a bubbling sauce, which means you’re in for a treat!

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving these Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas with a few delightful accompaniments:

A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette
Cilantro lime rice or Mexican-style rice
Avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy touch
Refried beans or black beans on the side
Chips and salsa to add some crunch and flavor

Variations and Swaps

While this recipe is wonderful as-is, feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to make the dish your own:

Use Different Proteins: Swap in ground turkey for your chicken, or try lean ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with plenty of sautéed veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a satisfying meatless meal.
Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Saucing Options: Use salsa verde instead of traditional enchilada sauce for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some pine nuts or chopped walnuts into your filling for added texture and nutty flavors.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure that your Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas turn out perfectly, consider these expert tips:

Don’t Overfill: For easy rolling, ensure each tortilla has just enough filling without overstuffing, which can lead to messy enchiladas.
Let the Enchiladas Rest: Allow your dish to sit for about five minutes after baking. This helps it firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
Use a Thermometer: Aim for a bubbly temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure the filling is heated through.
Spacing Matters: If you’re baking multiple pans, give them enough space in the oven for even cooking and browning.
Freshness Check: When using fresh ingredients, they’ll not only enhance the flavor but also provide better texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works fantastically! Just shred it and mix it in for even quicker preparation.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use a homemade mixture of tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder for a quick alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the flour tortillas for corn tortillas, which are gluten-free and just as delicious!
Can I freeze the assembled enchiladas?
Absolutely! Assembled enchiladas can be frozen before baking for quick meals later. Just cover tightly with foil before freezing.
How can I make this a one-pan meal?
If you’d like to make this a one-pan dish, consider layering the ingredients in the baking dish instead of rolling them up. Alternate layers of tortillas, chicken filling, and enchilada sauce for a delicious casserole style.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably magical about comfort food that brings family and friends together. These Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen, with their irresistible flavors and ease of preparation. So why not gather your ingredients, create a wonderful meal, and invite your loved ones over to share in the warmth and delight this dish brings? Happy cooking!

Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful chicken enchiladas that are simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the cheese, diced onions, optional bell peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll them up, placing them seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve warm, garnished with sour cream and cilantro if desired.