Are you ready to transform last night’s dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican feast? Look no further than these Easiest Chicken Enchiladas Ever with Leftover Chicken! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to boring leftovers and hello to cheesy, saucy goodness. Get ready to indulge in a comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded leftover chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded leftover chicken, half of the enchilada sauce, diced onions, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas for 15-20 seconds in the microwave to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
- Place each tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spoon an equal amount of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, leaving about a half-inch border on each side.
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden and the edges of the tortillas are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or additional sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake!
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add in other ingredients like black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend for a unique twist on the classic.
- Tortilla Tricks: Warming the tortillas is key to preventing cracking. If you don’t have a microwave, you can also warm them in a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
- Sauce it Up: Don’t be shy with the enchilada sauce! Make sure to cover the enchiladas well before baking for that extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or sliced jalapeños can elevate your dish and add a burst of freshness.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your enchiladas as they bake; once the cheese is melted and bubbly, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
