There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy, saucy enchilada straight out of the oven. These chicken enchiladas are one of my absolute favorite meals to make at home. They’re super simple, full of flavor, and perfect for any day of the week! Whether it’s a busy Monday or a chill Friday night, you can whip these up in no time. Let me show you how I do it my way!
Method
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready by the time your enchiladas are assembled and ready to bake, which helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan. Sprinkle the Tex-Mex seasoning or fajita seasoning if that’s what you have over the chicken, along with a light pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook the chicken until it turns white and starts to develop a golden color on the outside. At this stage, you don’t need it fully cooked through, as it will continue to cook in the oven later.
Saute the Vegetables
Once the chicken is almost done, add in your diced onion and bell pepper. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red or yellow adds a touch of sweetness. Add another small sprinkle of seasoning and salt to enhance the flavor. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onions are soft and translucent and the peppers are slightly tender. The vegetables should still have a little bite to them, not be overly mushy. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside your filling is now ready to go!
Assemble the Enchiladas
Now it’s time to roll! Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface or plate. Start by spreading a spoonful of your favorite salsa across the center of the tortilla. Then, add a generous scoop of the chicken and vegetable filling right on top of the salsa. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over the filling just enough to make it gooey and delicious when melted. Next, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Be sure to place it seam side down into a lightly greased baking dish. This helps keep it sealed while baking. Repeat the process with the rest of the tortillas, lining them up snugly in the dish.
Top and Bake
Once all your enchiladas are neatly arranged in the dish, pour a bit more salsa over the top. You can go light or heavy here depending on how saucy you like them. Then, cover everything with a generous amount of shredded cheese. This will melt into a golden, bubbly topping in the oven. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them the cheese should be completely melted and slightly browned, and the edges of the tortillas may get a little crisp, which adds a lovely texture.
Garnish and Serve
After baking, carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly and makes them easier to serve. If you’d like, add some fresh garnishes on top chopped red onions, thinly sliced bell peppers, or green onions all work beautifully. Serve each portion with a generous spoonful of sour cream. You can also add guacamole or fresh avocado slices for a creamy contrast. A splash of lime juice or your favorite hot sauce can take the flavor to the next level.
Necessary Tools
- Skillet (frying pan)
- Baking dish
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (if you’re shredding your own cheese)
- Oven
Chicken Enchiladas – My Way!
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1–2 tablespoons Tex-Mex seasoning (or fajita seasoning)
2–3 cups shredded marble cheese blend
1–2 cups salsa (your favorite kind!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Tortillas (flour or corn, your choice!)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat.
- Add the chicken strips and sprinkle with Tex-Mex seasoning and a bit of salt.
- Cook the chicken until it’s almost done (it’ll turn white with a little golden color).
- Now toss in the diced peppers and onions. Add a pinch more seasoning and salt. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Take the skillet off the heat and get ready to roll!
- Grab a tortilla. Spread some salsa on it, then add a spoonful of the chicken mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
- Fold in the sides, roll it up tight, and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Do the same with the rest of the tortillas.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour more salsa on top and cover with a generous amount of cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are a little crispy.
- Take them out and garnish with chopped red onion, peppers, or green onions if you like
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken in the skillet it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Make sure the tortilla seam is on the bottom when you place it in the baking dish, so it doesn’t open up.
- If your tortillas are stiff, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before rolling. This keeps them from tearing.
- Don’t use too much salsa inside the tortilla or it may get soggy. A little goes a long way!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your enchiladas with a side of rice, black beans, or corn salad.
- Add a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy!
- A slice of lime on the side makes everything taste fresh and zesty.
- Guacamole or avocado slices are perfect on top.
Fun Fact
Did you know enchiladas come from Mexico and date back to the Aztecs? They used to wrap fish in corn tortillas and enjoy them just like we do today but with different fillings!
Conclusion
These chicken enchiladas are a go-to meal in my kitchen, and once you try them, I bet they’ll be a favorite in yours too! They’re cheesy, zesty, and oh so satisfying. Plus, they’re super customizable you can switch up the fillings or toppings any way you like. So grab your ingredients, roll up some deliciousness, and enjoy enchiladas your way!
