Best Chicken Enchiladas – Quick and Easy for Every Family
It all started on a Friday night when I was exhausted, hungry, and trying to impress my in-laws with something other than takeout. I remember staring into my fridge, unsure what magic I could pull together with some leftover shredded enchilada chicken and a stack of tortillas. That’s when it hit me why not try making easy chicken enchiladas? That night, I stumbled upon what would quickly become our go-to dinner and eventually my most-requested recipe: the best chicken enchiladas my family has ever tasted.
Over time, those simple Friday night enchiladas became something more. They turned into a tradition, a comfort food, and a dish my kids now request for birthdays. I began tweaking and perfecting the method until I could confidently say this wasn’t just any recipe. These are the best chicken enchiladas you’ll ever make quick, easy, and family-approved.
Table of Contents
Why These Are the Best Chicken Enchiladas
When I say these are the best chicken enchiladas, I mean it. They’re made with tender shredded enchilada chicken, smothered in a bold yet creamy sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas, and topped with cheese that melts into bubbly perfection. Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this recipe adapts easily, making it ideal for both weeknights and gatherings.
Unlike other recipes that leave you with dry or bland results, these easy chicken enchiladas come out juicy, rich, and deeply flavorful. The balance of spice, creaminess, and texture makes them one of my most popular family favorite chicken enchiladas. Everyone comes back for seconds even the picky eaters.
Best Chicken Enchiladas – Quick and Easy for Every Family
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until soft.
- Add shredded chicken and a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Spread sour cream over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchiladas
You don’t need anything fancy to make the best chicken enchiladas. Just a few key ingredients you likely already have:
- 2 cups shredded enchilada chicken (rotisserie works too)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 6-8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste
This lineup makes for quick and easy chicken enchiladas that are still packed with flavor. Feel free to double the batch for make ahead chicken enchiladas you can freeze and reheat later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until soft.
- Stir in shredded enchilada chicken and a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas.
- Top with sour cream and shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
You’ll love how fast these easy chicken enchiladas come together. They’re especially great when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes like it took hours.
Why These Are Family Favorite Chicken Enchiladas
What makes a recipe a family favorite? It’s the dish that disappears first. The one you double every time because leftovers are never enough. That’s exactly what happened with these best chicken enchiladas. My kids named them Angela’s awesome chicken enchiladas after trying them once and the name stuck.
Angela’s awesome chicken enchiladas aren’t complicated, but they deliver big on flavor. The shredded enchilada chicken inside stays juicy, while the cheese and sauce create a melty, savory blanket that brings it all together. This recipe also works beautifully with make ahead chicken enchiladas planning just prep the tray, cover it, and bake when you’re ready.
Make Ahead Chicken Enchiladas for Busy Days
One of the things I love most about these yummy enchiladas recipes is how adaptable they are for real life. Whether you’re a working parent, student, or just trying to keep weeknight chaos under control, these make ahead chicken enchiladas are a lifesaver.
Prepare everything as usual, but instead of baking, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to two days. You can also freeze the tray for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to your cook time. The flavor holds up beautifully, and you’ll still get those creamy, cheesy layers everyone loves.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These quick and easy chicken enchiladas are amazing on their own, but they also pair perfectly with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- A fresh side salad
Want to customize? Swap the protein for ground turkey or black beans. Add corn, jalapeños, or chopped spinach to the filling. This is one of those yummy enchiladas recipes that welcomes creativity.
Final Thoughts: Yummy Enchiladas Recipes Worth Sharing
After years of trying different variations, I can honestly say this is the best chicken enchiladas recipe I’ve made. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory on a plate. Whether you’re serving your in-laws, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and comforting, these easy chicken enchiladas always deliver.
So grab your tortillas, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family with Angela’s awesome chicken enchiladas. Once you try them, they’ll become your new family favorite too.
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