Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Taco Chicken Enchiladas: Flavorful Family Dinner


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Description

These Cheesy Taco Chicken Enchiladas are bursting with flavor! A simple, comforting dinner with seasoned chicken, melty cheese & your favorite toppings.

 


Ingredients

For the Taco Chicken Filling:

  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and flavor booster.

  • 1 (1 oz) packet Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand, or make your own blend (2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp cayenne).

  • ⅓ cup Water

  • 1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chiles, undrained

  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese for the filling: A blend of Monterey Jack (for melt) and Sharp Cheddar (for flavor) is perfect.

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (optional, but adds incredible creaminess)

For the Enchilada Assembly:

  • 10-12 (6-inch) Corn Tortillas: This is crucial: Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best flavor and texture.

  • 1 (28 oz) can Red Enchilada Sauce: Choose a good-quality sauce, as it is the backbone of the dish’s flavor. You’ll need about 3 cups.

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese for topping: Use a Mexican blend or more Monterey Jack/Cheddar.

  • Non-stick Cooking Spray

For the Garnish & Serving Fiesta:

  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped

  • Diced Red Onion or White Onion

  • Diced Tomatoes

  • Sliced Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

  • Sliced Black Olives

  • Sour Cream or Mexican Crema

  • Guacamole or Sliced Avocado

  • Lime Wedges


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, water, and the undrained green chiles. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is thoroughly coated in the seasoning. Remove from heat. If using, stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and combined. Then, stir in the 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese for the filling. Set aside.

Step 2: The Critical Tortilla Prep (Do Not Skip!)
This step prevents the corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Heat the 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Using tongs, quickly fry each tortilla for about 5-10 seconds per side, just until softened and pliable. They should not be crispy. Alternatively, you can wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and soft. Place the softened tortillas on a plate and cover with a towel to keep them warm and flexible.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread ½ cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Take one softened tortilla and place a generous ¼ cup of the chicken and cheese filling in a line down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, packing them snugly side-by-side in the dish.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese the Enchiladas
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas, making sure to cover the ends to prevent drying out. Use a spoon to spread the sauce into any gaps. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the sauce, covering everything.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. This is essential—it allows the filling to set, making them much easier to serve without falling apart. Garnish the entire dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve directly from the dish, providing a vibrant array of garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plate with sour cream, diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Notes

  • 9×13 inch Baking Dish

  • Large Skillet

  • Small Skillet or Microwave (for tortillas)

  • Tongs

  • Mixing Bowls

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 1300 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g