Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas

Introduction

If you love bold, comforting, and cheesy Mexican flavors, then these Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas are exactly what you need! 🌮✨

This recipe features tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, homemade enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Every bite is packed with savory, smoky, and slightly spicy goodness.

These enchiladas are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a crowd, and they taste even better as leftovers! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll never need another enchilada recipe again.

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Chicken Filling:

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
1 small onion (80g), finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small can (120g) diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
200g shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

2 tablespoons (30g) butter
2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
500ml chicken broth
200g tomato sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste

For Assembly:

8 medium flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, about 20cm each)
100g shredded cheese (extra for topping)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Sour cream & sliced avocado (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
Add tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Add the shredded chicken and diced green chilies (if using). Stir in ½ cup (120ml) of the enchilada sauce to keep the filling moist.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread ½ cup (120ml) of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in each tortilla, sprinkle some shredded cheese, then roll tightly.
Arrange the enchiladas seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, or extra hot sauce.
Enjoy these cheesy, saucy, and irresistible chicken enchiladas!

Nutrition Information (Per Enchilada – Based on 8 Servings)

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips and Tricks

1. How to Make It Spicier

Add 1 chopped jalapeño to the chicken filling.
Use spicy enchilada sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.

2. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes! Save time by using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken. Just mix it with the seasonings and a little enchilada sauce.

3. Corn or Flour Tortillas?

Corn tortillas are more authentic and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Flour tortillas are softer and hold up better.

4. How to Store & Reheat Enchiladas

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Assemble and freeze (before baking) for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Enchiladas

✅ Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken filling
✅ Rich, homemade enchilada sauce (better than store-bought!)
✅ Super cheesy and comforting
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✅ Easy to customize with your favorite toppings