Simple Chicken Enchilada Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta in Your Kitchen
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simple chicken enchilada recipe! This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking adventure.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
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For the Enchiladas:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This simple recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, even for beginner cooks.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken: Boil or bake the chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred the chicken once cooled.
- Season the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the shredded chicken and taco seasoning. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chicken broth for extra moisture and flavor.
Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) and enchilada sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fill and roll: Lightly coat each tortilla with the sauce mixture. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken or sauce mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
- Different cheese: Experiment with your favorite cheese blend. Pepper jack, queso fresco, or even a Mexican blend would be delicious.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake just before serving.
This simple chicken enchilada recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade enchiladas! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your photos!