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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe – Ready in under 1 hour!

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: April 18, 2021 By Toni Dash 13 Comments

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe – Ready in under 1 hour!

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    CHICKEN ENCHILADAS IN BAKING DISH

    These easy Chicken Enchiladas are full of satisfying Mexican flavors with a hearty filling. Prepared red enchilada sauce and loads of cheese make them a dinner time favorite!

    CHICKEN ENCHILADAS IN BAKING DISH

    Chunks of moist, succulent chicken breast meat, tangy green chiles, creamy refried beans. This is just the start of what makes these easy chicken enchiladas a family favorite.

    Add some flavor-packed red enchilada sauce and loads of cheese and eating in never tasted better!

    Serve these with some Cilantro Lime Rice or Gallo Pinto and maybe a margarita or agua fresca!

    For a shortcut version try our Chicken Enchilada Skillet recipe!

    Jump to:
    • Must Make Chicken Enchiladas!
    • Why make THESE Enchiladas?
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • Add some toppings!
    • Make a Double Batch!
    • How to make Chicken Enchiladas – Step-by-Step
    • Variations
    • Pro Tips
    • Storing Leftovers
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe

    Must Make Chicken Enchiladas!

    If you are a Mexican food lover, making enchiladas at home is a must.

    With all the great authentic products available, it’s not hard to do.

    Haven’t had enchiladas before?

    They are tortillas filled with a savory mixture covered with a savory (often spicy) sauce.

    The filling can include meat, beans, cheese, vegetables or even potatoes. Often at Mexican restaurants you’ll choose between beef, chicken or cheese enchiladas.

    We think they are the best kind of comfort food when eating out or eating in!

    chicken enchiladas on plate and in pan

    Why make THESE Enchiladas?

    • They are fast and easy to make
    • Using authentic products stays true to the traditional flavors but also saves time
    • The recipe is flexible to substitute homemade versions of the ingredients if desired
    • There are lots of ways to change them up

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    chicken enchiladas ingredients


    Olive oil
    . Used to sauté the onions.

    White onion. We used white onions but red onions or yellow onions can be substituted.

    Boneless skinless chicken breasts. These will be cut into small cubes for the enchilada filling.

    Canned diced green chiles. Use mild chiles. The enchiladas can be made spicier if needed by adding hot sauce when served. If you LOVE heat, use hot diced green chiles.

    Flour tortillas. Regular or gluten-free flour tortillas can be used. We used flour tortillas because they are usually more pliable and easier to roll without breaking. If preferred, corn tortillas can also be used.

    For gluten-free we love Mission gluten-free tortillas. They are almost identical in flavor and texture to regular tortillas.

    Red enchilada sauce. Canned red enchilada sauce makes the recipe prep fast. Homemade red enchilada sauce can also be substituted.

    Refried beans. Any refried beans can be used.

    Shredded Mexican cheese. Mexican cheese blend gives this great flavor and color. We recommend grating the cheese yourself for best melting (cheddar, colby and monterey jack cheese).

    Or use Tillamook’s Farm-Style Mexican blend. The cheese doesn’t have caking agents that cause it to not melt well as do other prepared cheese blends.

    Cilantro. Fresh chopped cilantro is used as garnish when serving.

    Add some toppings!

    The enchiladas are delicious out of the pan with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

    You don’t need to stop there! Here are some topping ideas too:

    • Sour cream or Mexican Crema. Did you know dairy products are the one thing to make food less spicy? This offers a tangy, creamy topping and is perfect if people don’t love spicy food.
    • Guacamole or sliced avocado
    • Salsa or Pico de Gallo
    • Pickled Jalapenos
    • Shredded iceberg lettuce for a cool, crunch

    chicken enchiladas cooked in pan with spatula

    Make a Double Batch!

    This recipe makes 6 chicken enchiladas which is the perfect amount for a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.

    If you want more you can double the recipe to make 12 enchiladas filling two baking pans.

    You can also divide the filling between 8 tortillas. This will make smaller enchiladas but 8 will fit in the baking dish.

    How to make Chicken Enchiladas – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    STEP 2. Prepare the chicken enchilada filling

    In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions until translucent (photo 1).

    Add the chicken and green chilies. Cook until chicken is cooked aproximately 7-8 minutes (photos 2-3).

    Add the refried beans and 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce (photos 4-6). Cook 2-3 minutes until combined and heated through (photo 7).

    chicken enchiladas recipe steps 1-4
    chicken enchiladas recipe steps 5-8

    STEP 3. Assemble the enchiladas

    Drizzle 3/4 cup of the enchilada sauce into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking disk. Spread to cover the bottom.

    Spoon 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto the middle of a flour tortilla leaving room at the ends (photo 8).

    Roll up the enchilada and place seam side down into the prepared pan (photo 9). Repeat for the remaining enchiladas.

    chicken enchiladas recipe steps 9-12

    STEP 4. Finish and bake

    When all the enchiladas are in the baking dish drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly on top (photo 10). Sprinkle on the cheese (photo 11).

    Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crisp (photo 12).

    chicken enchiladas on plate

    Variations

    Rotisserie chicken. For a shortcut or if you have some leftover rotisserie chicken cut that into cubes and add with the refried beans. Skip the chicken cooking time. Cook until the mixture is warmed through.

    Shredded chicken. Use homemade shredded chicken (regular or taco flavored shredded chicken)or store bought shredded chicken instead of cubed chicken. Use 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken. Add with the refried beans and warm through.

    Make it vegetarian. Swap out the chicken for more vegetables or beans. Black beans, pinto beans, corn, chopped red pepper (saute that with the onions) would all be great.

    Add cheese inside and out. We added the cheese on the outside of the enchiladas. You can add some inside and some outside too if desired.

    Using corn tortillas. Corn tortillas can be substituted but be sure they are warm before starting. They tend to break more easily especially when rolling the enchilada if they are cold.

    Try Green Enchilada sauce. For a different flavor profile try green enchilada sauce. Or a mix! Make it ‘Christmas style‘ as they do in the southwest. Use one in the pan and the other on top of the enchiladas.

    Make it SPICY!! If you love the heat in Mexican food, bump it up by using hot red enchilada sauce and/or hot green chiles. You can add some chili powder to the filling mixture when cooking it too. Try chipotle chile powder for some smoky heat.

    Pro Tips

    Start off mild. You can always add spicy heat but you can’t take it away. Depending on who is eating the enchiladas, we recommend using mild sauce and diced green chiles. You can always add spicy salsa when serving.

    If avid spicy food lovers are dining you can pump up the base recipe with our suggestions in the Variations section.

    Grate your own cheese for best melting. As convenient as store bought cheese blends are, they contain an anti-caking agent so the cheese doesn’t stick together. This keeps it from melting like regular cheese will.

    The one exception we’ve found is Tillamook brand Thick Farm-Style blends. They make a Mexican cheese blend that’s perfect for this recipe. We now use it alot as a time saver.

    Serve with sour cream to beat the heat. If you are serving mixed diners who all can’t take some heat, serve with sour cream or Mexican crema to top. Dairy products quell spicy flavor (that’s why some people drink milk with spicy foods!).

    Check canned ingredients if gluten-free. Double check the ingredients for gluten for the canned enchilada sauce. We’ve found plenty of choices that are ‘GF’ but ingredients can change over time.

    Storing Leftovers

    Refrigerator

    Allow the cooked enchiladas to fully cool. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container.

    Store for up to 2 days and reheat in the microwave in individual servings.

    Freezing Enchiladas

    Allow the cooked enchiladas to fully cool. Cover the pan with plastic wrap followed by foil.

    Freeze the entire pan (if it is a freezer-safe pan) for up to 3 months.

    Thaw in the refrigerator.

    How to reheat enchiladas

    Cover the top of the baking dish with foil (remove any plastic wrap if previously frozen).

    Reheat on 350 degrees until heated through.

    chicken enchiladas cooked in pan

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Chipotle Green Chile Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
    • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts with Mexican flavors
    • Easy Breakfast Enchilada Casserole
    • Mexican Breakfast Chicken Tortilla Lasagna Casserole

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    chicken enchiladas sq

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    These easy Chicken Enchiladas are packed with chicken, green chiles, refried beans brimming with red enchilada sauce and gooey cheese. They are simple to put together and the best kind of comfort food!
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6 enchiladas
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    9 by 13 inch baking pan
    9×13-inch Baking Pan

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 medium white onion diced
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 4-ounce can mild diced green chilies
    • 6 8-inch flour tortillas regular or gluten-free*
    • 1 15-ounce can mild red enchilada sauce mild
    • ½ cup refried beans
    • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend**
    • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (optional for garnish)

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large pan over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add diced chicken and green chilis to the pan. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about 7 – 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
    • Stir ¼ cup enchilada sauce and refried beans into the pan. Heat 2-3 minutes, until well combined.
    • Drizzle ¾ cup of the enchilada sauce into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Spread to cover the bottom.
    • Assemble the enchiladas: on a dinner plate place one flour tortilla. Spoon about ½ cup of the chicken mixture into the tortilla and spread into a line running down the middle of the tortilla, leaving an inch on each end.
    • Wrap the tortilla and place the seam side down into the prepared pan.
    • Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle evenly with the cheese.
    • Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the edges of the tortillas barely crispy.
    • Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro.

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe is for classic enchiladas made with flour tortillas and a bean and chicken filling. They’re topped with a traditional red sauce and shredded Mexican cheese.
    These enchiladas are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Each tortilla is stuffed with a mix of chopped onion, green chiles, chicken, refried beans and cheese. They’re cheesy, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
    Options
    We added all the cheese on top. Some can be added into the individual enchiladas and the rest on top if desired.
    How to make a larger batch
    • This recipe makes 6 chicken enchiladas which is the perfect amount for a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. 
    • If you want more you can double the recipe to make 12 enchiladas filling two baking pans.
    • You can also add a bit less filling to the enchiladas and make 8 smaller enchiladas to fit into one baking dish.
    Storing Leftovers
    Refrigerator
    • Allow the cooked enchiladas to fully cool. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container.
    • Store for up to 2 days and reheat in the microwave in individual servings.
    Freezing Enchiladas
    • Allow the cooked enchiladas to fully cool. Cover the pan with plastic wrap followed by foil.
    • Freeze the entire pan (if it is a freezer-safe pan) for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in portions or covered with foil in the oven at 350 degrees until heated thorugh.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 815mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 315mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Crystal says

      December 07, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      i keep making these! its a huge win in our family! especially with two toddlers (1 yr & 3 yr)!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 07, 2022 at 3:29 pm

        I’m so glad to hear that!!

        Reply
    2. cathy says

      April 21, 2021 at 7:42 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make this again for Cinco de Mayo. So good!

      Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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