Go Back
To make easy chicken enchiladas, gather these key items: - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup red enchilada sauce - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 8 small tortillas (corn or flour) - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring rich flavors and fun textures to your meal. You can boost the taste with these optional ingredients: - Chopped onions for sweetness - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Avocado for creaminess - Fresh lime juice for brightness Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I suggest using: - A large mixing bowl for the filling - A baking dish to hold the enchiladas - A skillet for warming tortillas - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - A spoon or spatula for mixing These tools help you create the perfect chicken enchiladas. For a complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your enchiladas cook evenly. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients. You will need cooked shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cheese, tortillas, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fun. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and half a cup of cheese. Add a teaspoon each of cumin and garlic powder. Don't forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it is fully combined. The filling should be flavorful and colorful, giving your enchiladas a tasty boost. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Next, place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly to keep the filling inside. Once rolled, place the enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish that has some enchilada sauce spread on the bottom to prevent sticking. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbling and golden. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream and cilantro if you like. Enjoy your easy chicken enchiladas! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. When picking tortillas, I prefer soft corn or flour ones. Corn tortillas have great flavor and hold up well. Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll. Look for fresh tortillas at your local store. If you can, choose ones made with simple ingredients. Freshness makes a big difference in taste. To shred chicken fast, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Grab a piece of chicken with one fork and pull it apart with the other. If you have leftover chicken, this works great. For even quicker shredding, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Just place the chicken in the bowl and mix on low speed. You can change up the flavor of your enchiladas easily. Try adding lime juice for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. If you want heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Cumin and garlic powder add depth and warmth. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite blend. For more tips and a full recipe, check out the Easy Chicken Enchiladas details. {{image_2}} You can make a great vegetarian version of these enchiladas. Instead of chicken, use cooked lentils or mushrooms. You can also add more beans or veggies. Think about bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and taste. Just keep the same enchilada sauce and cheese. This way, you still get that tasty flavor without the meat. You can switch up the sauce and cheese for fun. Try green enchilada sauce for a twist. It has a bright flavor that pairs well with chicken or veggies. For cheese, experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamy kick. You can also mix in some queso fresco for a fresh taste. These small changes can make your enchiladas feel new each time. If you love spice, there are many ways to add heat. You can mix diced jalapeños into your filling. For a smoky flavor, add chipotle peppers to the enchilada sauce. Another idea is to sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder into your mix. If you like a milder kick, use a dash of hot sauce on top. Balance the heat with some sour cream or avocado to cool it down. Remember, these variations keep your meals exciting. You can always find new ways to enjoy easy chicken enchiladas. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. Store your chicken enchiladas in an airtight container. Make sure they cool first. They stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Label the container with the date you made them. This way, you won't forget when to eat them. To freeze enchiladas, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check to see if they are hot throughout. This method keeps the texture nice. Yes, you can! Chicken is just one option. You can use beef, pork, or turkey. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. Each meat brings its own flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite. You can prepare enchiladas in advance and store them. Assemble the enchiladas as usual but do not bake them. Cover them with foil and place them in the fridge. They can stay there for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just bake them as directed in the full recipe. This makes meal prep easy and fun! This blog post walked through making chicken enchiladas from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients and essential tools needed for prep. I shared detailed steps for filling and baking your enchiladas. You also picked up tips on choosing tortillas and enhancing flavor. Lastly, I covered storage methods to keep leftovers delicious. Now, you’re ready to create your own tasty dish. Enjoy the fun of making enchiladas that suit your taste!

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Easy Chicken Enchiladas are your perfect solution! This delightful dish combines shredded chicken, black beans, and zesty enchilada sauce for a flavor-packed experience that can be made in no time. Follow simple steps and clever tips to whip up these savory enchiladas that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 cup red enchilada sauce

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh or canned)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, 1/2 cup of cheese, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined.

      Fill the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, then roll them tightly.

        Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the dish, closely packed together.

          Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly across the top.

            Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

              Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4