Hello friends! Today, I’m sharing my family’s all-time favorite fast and easy chicken enchilada recipe.
I have made this delicious recipe countless times for our friends & family. It’s always well received and quickly devoured.
It’s especially perfect for a weeknight dinner when you are short on time. Really it’s that simple. But when you do have more time, it is totally customizable.
You can improve the nutritional value by adding your favorite fillings or making the enchilada sauce from scratch. I know that your family will love this recipe too!
Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas
Who doesn’t love an easy recipe? I use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe faster and one step easier. Remove the meat, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, and toss it in the mix.
To speed things up even further, I buy a pack of pre-shredded rotisserie chicken. Many grocery stores, as well as Costco, sell this in the deli area.
They cost more, but if you are busy working full-time and wrangling kids, it can be a lifesaver. Or if you are lazy, like I am sometimes, I can rationalize it’s healthier than fast-food!
If you prefer super crisp enchiladas, you can fry tortillas briefly in oil before filling them. In a skillet over medium-high heat, using a little oil, fry for approximately 10 seconds per side until they start to get golden brown and crisp.
If you follow this recipe, your enchiladas will not be soggy.
A baked pan of enchiladas, from the blog post, easy chicken enchilada recipe.
Can enchiladas be made ahead of time?
To make enchiladas ahead of time, fill and wrap them, but do not top them with sauce or cheese. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you are ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, top with sauce, cheese, and dot with sour cream. Then bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
Can enchiladas be reheated?
You can reheat enchiladas in the microwave, in a toaster, or regular oven. There will be slightly different results with each.
If you prefer a tender tortilla texture with quicker results, use the microwave.
To achieve a slightly crisp or chewy texture, use an oven. Put the enchiladas in an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 10-20 minutes. To retain more softness, you can also cover for the first 10 minutes with aluminum foil, then uncover for 5-10 minutes.
Can enchiladas be frozen?
Cover them tightly with a layer of plastic wrap to freeze enchiladas, then again with aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, remove the foil and plastic wrap. Cover again with the aluminum foil and bake them for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Enchilada Substitutions
It is easy to make this recipe healthier by changing a few ingredients. To increase the nutritional value, try these alternatives.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
You can use homemade enchiladas sauce versus using a canned sauce. Try this enchilada sauce recipe. It makes about the same amount as a 19 oz. can, and it gets high ratings.
Add Vegetables
Try adding your favorite fresh vegetables to the mix; fresh onions, sliced red, green, poblano peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions.
Switch up your protein
Cook your own fresh diced chicken breast to replace the prepared rotisserie chicken.
I typically make these enchiladas with chicken, but they are delicious with ground beef too. You might also try shredded beef, carnitas, or turkey.
Gluten-free Enchiladas
You can use gluten-free tortillas, corn, or flour to make this a gluten-friendly meal. Also, make your sauce, but use gluten-free flour in the recipe.
Adding More Flavor to Enchiladas
To boost the flavor varieties or heat, try these yummy additions.
Mexican Spice
Add more heat to this dish with your favorite seasonings.
You can also spice these babies up as much as your little heart desires.
Add a bit of red cayenne pepper, chipotle sauce, adobo sauce, spices, or a Mexican hot sauce.
Enchilada Add-ins
Add more fresh vegetables, as I mentioned above. This will add lots of authentic Mexican flavor.
Enchilada Toppings
I love to top the enchiladas with all of my favorites; these include jalapeño, cilantro, diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and more cheese.
Enchiladas Toppings
Here’s my favorite part, topping my enchiladas! I love making them tasty and pretty too. Below are my go-to toppings.
Cilantro
Diced Avocado
Sliced radishes
Guacamole
Sliced Jalapeños
Pickled Jalapeños
Sliced Green Onions
Chopped Red Onion
Diced Tomatoes
Pico de Gallo
More Mexican-blend Cheese
Crumbled Cotija Cheese
Mexican Crema
Lime wedges
Lettuce
Salsa
What to serve with Enchiladas
You can serve enchiladas with so much goodness!
Below are common American ideas, but I am certain the list is much longer if you are from Mexico!
Refried beans
Black beans
Chips and Salsa
Mexican Rice
Mexican Corn
How to Make Enchiladas
Without further ado, here is the easy-peasey recipe. You will likely memorize it. It’s that easy! Enjoy.
Explore More
RECIPES for more recipes
INSPIRATION for creative project ideas
START HERE for blog home
