Savory Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas Easy Recipe

Craving a warm, cheesy meal? Try my easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas! This hearty dish mixes shredded chicken with black beans and cheesy goodness, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or a fun night in, these enchiladas are simple to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will become your new favorite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)

– Spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder

– 8 flour tortillas (8 inches each)

Cheese and Sauce

– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)

– 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

– Fresh cilantro and sour cream for garnish

In this recipe, the main ingredients create a hearty and flavorful filling. Shredded chicken gives protein and richness. Black beans add fiber, and corn brings sweetness. Diced bell peppers add crunch and color.

For spices, cumin offers warmth, while chili powder adds a nice kick. Garlic powder enhances all the flavors. The flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping the filling tightly.

The cheese blend melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture. Enchilada sauce adds moisture and tang. Lastly, fresh cilantro and sour cream are great for garnishing. You can find the full recipe for Cheesy Fiesta Chicken Enchiladas [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

– In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with black beans, corn, and bell peppers. This mix gives the enchiladas a hearty flavor.

Assembling the Enchiladas

– Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This stops the tortillas from sticking.

– Take a tortilla and fill it with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the filling, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this for all the tortillas.

Baking Instructions

– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps the enchiladas cook evenly.

– After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. This step makes the cheese melt perfectly.

– Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your cheesy fiesta chicken enchiladas! You can find the full recipe in the article.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Enchiladas

– Use homemade enchilada sauce for enhanced flavor. This sauce adds depth to your dish.

– Ensure tortillas are warm for easy rolling. Warm tortillas bend without tearing.

Serving Suggestions

– Offer sour cream and fresh cilantro on the side. These toppings enhance the taste.

– Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans. Both add heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overfilling tortillas can lead to breakage. Use about 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla.

– Not covering with foil during initial baking can dry out your enchiladas. Keep them moist!

For a full guide to making these enchiladas, check the Full Recipe.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily change the main filling. Replace chicken with shredded beef for a heartier dish. For a vegetarian twist, sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These swaps keep your meal fresh and exciting.

Cheese choices also matter. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar. Each mix brings unique flavors to your enchiladas.

Spice Level Adjustments

Do you like heat? Add sliced jalapeños inside the enchiladas or on top. They add a nice crunch and spice. If you prefer mild flavors, choose a gentle enchilada sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without burning tongues.

Serving Variations

Serving enchiladas can be fun! Pair them with guacamole for creaminess. Pico de gallo adds freshness and zest. You can also turn your enchiladas into a casserole. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish instead of rolling them. This style is great for feeding a crowd.

For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Fiesta Chicken Enchiladas.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftover chicken and cheese enchiladas in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep the texture and flavor intact.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze either assembled or baked enchiladas. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This method prevents freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Recommendations

For the best taste, reheat enchiladas in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer a quicker method, use the microwave. Just heat them for 1-2 minutes until hot. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Fiesta Chicken Enchiladas.

FAQs

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

To make homemade enchilada sauce, you need a few simple ingredients. Start with these:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons flour

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

– Salt to taste

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add flour and stir for a minute.

3. Mix in chili powder and cumin. Stir for another minute.

4. Gradually add the broth, mixing well to avoid lumps.

5. Stir in the tomato sauce and salt.

6. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

This sauce is perfect for your Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. You can also use store-bought sauce if you are short on time.

Can I make Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the enchiladas as per the recipe.

2. Place them in a baking dish.

3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

4. Freeze them for up to two months.

When you are ready to bake, just remove them from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as usual. This way, you save time on busy days.

What side dishes go well with Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas?

A few side dishes pair nicely with Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. Here are my top picks:

– Mexican rice

– Refried beans

– Black bean salad

– Guacamole

– Corn salad

These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also enhance the experience of enjoying your enchiladas. Try them out for a complete dinner!

You can make delicious chicken and cheese enchiladas with easy steps. Start with cooked chicken, beans, and corn. Add cheese and sauce for amazing flavor. Remember to warm your tortillas for easy rolling and use foil while baking.

For a twist, try different meats or spice levels. Store leftovers easily for future meals. Happy cooking! Enjoy your tasty creation and impress your family with this simple recipe.

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Dive into the deliciousness of Cheesy Fiesta Chicken Enchiladas! This easy recipe combines shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and vibrant bell peppers, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a fiesta to your table tonight!

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Ingredients

  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

8 flour tortillas (8 inches each)

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)

2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Sour cream for serving

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Take a tortilla and fill it with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle a little cheese on top of the filling, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.

Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously on top.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6