Hello there foodies! Are you looking to add some spice to your dinner tonight? Look no further because this Enchilada Recipe Chicken will definitely satisfy your cravings. This hearty meal is perfect for those who love Mexican cuisine or are looking for a new and exciting dish to serve for dinner.
Enchiladas are known for their flavor-packed filling and delicious sauce that’s topped off with cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or dinner for two, this recipe is a sure-win. With easily accessible ingredients and simple steps, it won’t take long before you can sit down and enjoy this savory meal. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get to cooking!
Introduction
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, enchiladas are an absolute delight! An enchilada in its simplest form is a tortilla filled with meat, cheese and other delectable ingredients, rolled up and baked with a spicy sauce on top. This dish has its roots in Mexico, where it originated many centuries ago. Today, it is beloved all over the world and has numerous variations. In this article, we will focus on the most popular variation – chicken enchiladas, and provide you with a comprehensive recipe.
What is an enchilada?
An enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish that comprises of a tortilla that is filled with a variety of ingredients including beans, cheese, meat, vegetables and chilli peppers. The tortilla is rolled up and then covered with a spicy sauce made from chilli peppers, tomatoes and other seasonings.
It is believed that the dish originated in Mexico back in the Mayan times, when corn was the main ingredient in most meals. Corn has been a staple food in Mexico for thousands of years and is the basis of several traditional dishes such as tamales, tortillas and of course, enchiladas.
Why use chicken?
When it comes to making enchiladas, chicken is a popular choice of meat. Chicken is a lean protein that is low in fat and high in nutrition, making it the perfect ingredient for a healthy and delicious meal.
Chicken also has a mild flavour that complements the spicy sauce and other ingredients in the dish. It is also incredibly versatile, and you can use different parts of the chicken, such as breast or thigh meat, depending on your preference.
Another benefit of using chicken in enchiladas is that it is easy to prepare and cook. You can grill, bake, or even boil the chicken before shredding it and adding it to the filling for the tortillas.
Overview of the recipe
In this article, we will provide you with a delicious recipe for chicken enchiladas that you can prepare at home. The recipe will cover the steps involved in making the spicy sauce, preparing the chicken filling, and assembling and baking the enchiladas.
To make this recipe, you will need several ingredients, including tortillas, chicken breasts, cheese, onions, chilli peppers, tomatoes and an array of spices. We will provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe that will leave you with a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get started with the recipe!
Enchilada Recipe Chicken
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that are easy to make and delicious to eat. This enchilada recipe chicken is perfect for anyone who loves a little bit of spice in their life. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients needed, how to prepare the chicken, and an overview of the other important ingredients.
Ingredients
Tortillas
Choosing the right tortillas for your enchilada recipe chicken is an important step in ensuring that your dish is perfect. There are a variety of tortillas to choose from, including flour, corn, and wheat. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas because they have a more authentic taste. Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute if you prefer a softer texture. Wheat tortillas are a good choice if you are looking for a healthier option.
Chicken
Using chicken in your enchilada recipe is a great way to add protein and flavor. To prepare the chicken, start by cooking it in a skillet with a small amount of oil until it is well browned and cooked through. Add in seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to give the chicken a delicious smoky flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with a fork or chop it into small pieces.
Other ingredients
There are several other ingredients that you will need for your enchilada recipe chicken, including enchilada sauce, cheese, onions, and cilantro. The enchilada sauce is the key ingredient in this dish and gives it its signature flavor. You can make your own enchilada sauce by combining tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made enchilada sauce from the store.
Cheese is another important ingredient in this dish. Use shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese to add a delicious creamy flavor to your enchiladas. Onions and cilantro can be used as garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
When all the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a tortilla on top of the sauce, and add a layer of shredded chicken, cheese, and onions. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue until all the tortillas are filled and rolled up.
Once the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas. Add a generous layer of shredded cheese on top, and bake the dish in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When the enchiladas are finished baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
In conclusion, this enchilada recipe chicken is a delicious and easy way to spice up your dinner routine. By using the right ingredients and following the steps carefully, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. So get cooking and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade enchiladas!
Enchilada Recipe Chicken
If you are a fan of spicy and flavorful Mexican cuisine, then you’ll surely love this classic dish of enchilada recipe chicken. The dish is bursting with flavors and is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a simple guide to a perfect chicken enchilada recipe that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Step 1: Prepare the chicken filling
Preparing the chicken filling is an essential part of the enchilada recipe chicken. To make the filling, you will need boneless chicken breasts, onion, bell peppers, jalapenos, and some seasoning. Firstly, heat the oil in a skillet, and sauté the onions and jalapenos until they become tender. Then add the chicken and cook until it turns golden brown. Next, add the bell peppers and cook until they are soft. Season the chicken mixture with salt, pepper, and Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Mix all the ingredients well and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the enchiladas
After preparing the chicken filling, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. You will need soft corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. Firstly, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then take a tortilla and place two tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side-down into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas, cover the top of the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the enchiladas
Finally, bake the enchiladas till perfection. After baking the enchiladas for 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once the cheese is melted, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Add some chopped fresh cilantro on top of the cheese, and serve warm with sour cream, diced avocados, or fresh salsa.
In conclusion, the enchilada recipe chicken is a perfect Mexican dish that is easy to make and full of flavors. You can serve it for dinner, lunch, or any special occasion. This recipe is perfect for those who love spicy food and those who want to try something new. So, give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of chicken enchiladas with your loved ones.
Variations
If you are looking for a way to switch up your traditional chicken enchilada recipe, consider trying one of these delicious variations.
Veggie Enchiladas
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, this recipe is the perfect choice. Instead of chicken, replace it with your favorite veggies. You can use zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and corn. Simply sauté them in a pan with some olive oil until they are tender then mix them in with your enchilada sauce. Roll them up in tortillas with some shredded cheese and bake in the oven. Serve with salsa and avocado on top for a complete meal.
Spicy Enchiladas
If you like your food with an added kick, follow these instructions to make your enchiladas spicier. Start by adding in some diced jalapenos or green chilies to your enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to increase the spice level. If you really want to take it up a notch, try adding some hot sauce. The level of spice is completely up to your preference, so add as much or as little as you like.
Cheesy Enchiladas
For those who love cheesy enchiladas, here are some tips on how to add even more cheese to your recipe. Start by shredding extra cheese to sprinkle on top of your enchiladas before they go into the oven. You can also mix in different types of cheese for added flavor. Some good options include Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack cheese. Go ahead and indulge in that extra cheese, your taste buds will thank you.
Closing Thoughts
Final tips and comments
Now that we have gone through the step-by-step instructions for making chicken enchiladas, let’s talk about some final tips and comments to make this recipe even better.
Firstly, if you want to save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken. This will reduce the preparation time and make the recipe more convenient to make.
Secondly, you can adjust the spice level of the recipe according to your preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or jalapeños. If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of chili powder or eliminate the jalapeños.
Thirdly, adding a layer of refried beans between the tortillas and enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. It adds a creamier texture that contrasts nicely with the spice of the sauce.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings. Aside from the traditional toppings like cheese and avocado, you can also add fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making chicken enchiladas is a great way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal with your loved ones. The recipe we provided is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and experienced chefs alike.
By following our step-by-step instructions, you can make chicken enchiladas that are bursting with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and ingredients. Whether you want to meal prep for the week, impress your friends and family, or simply satisfy your cravings, this recipe has got you covered.
We hope that this article has been helpful to you and has inspired you to make your own chicken enchiladas. Don’t forget to get creative with the toppings and adjust the spice level to your liking. Happy cooking!
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed this delicious enchilada recipe chicken and that it spices up your dinner tonight! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese or add some jalapeños for an extra kick. And if you have any tips or variations on this recipe, feel free to share them in the comments below.
We’ll be back soon with more mouth-watering recipes to help you get creative in the kitchen. Thanks again for reading and we hope to see you again soon! Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. How long does it take to make this enchilada recipe chicken?
It should take around 45 minutes to an hour to make this recipe from start to finish.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
3. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe can make 6-8 servings, depending on how big you cut the enchiladas.
4. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the chicken if you prefer.
5. What type of cheese should I use?
We recommend using a Mexican blend of shredded cheese, but you can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack.
6. Do I need to use corn tortillas?
No, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
7. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add jalapeños or other spicy ingredients to the recipe to make it as spicy as you like.
8. Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
9. What sides would go well with this dish?
Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad are all great sides to serve with these enchiladas.
10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like peppers and onions to make a vegetarian version of this recipe.
