Ultimate Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

If you love bold flavors and comforting meals, you’re in for a treat with these ultimate chicken enchiladas! They’re filled with juicy chicken, smothered in a rich homemade sauce, and topped with gooey cheese—what’s not to love? Let’s dive into this tasty adventure together and create a dish that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Making homemade chicken enchiladas is a delicious adventure, and it all starts with the right ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create those plump, juicy flavors that will make your taste buds sing!

For the Enchiladas, Gather These Essentials:

• 8 tortillas: Flour or corn, about 8 inches wide.
• Enchilada Spice Mix: You’ll use this to flavor both the sauce and the chicken. Here’s what to include:

– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock: We want all that rich flavor!
• 1.5 cups tomato passata: This will make your sauce smooth and tasty!

For the Filling:

• 600g (1.2 lb) chicken breast: Slice it in half horizontally for even cooking!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps with that perfect sear.
• 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds great flavor!
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Because who doesn’t love a pop of color!
• 400g (14 oz) refried beans: This is my secret ingredient for juicy filling!
• 400g (14 oz) canned corn, drained
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese: A blend is perfect here, for that ooey-gooey goodness!

Topping:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheese: Because more cheese is always better, right?
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro/coriander: For that fresh touch!

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring those flavors together! Trust me, with these goodies, your chicken enchiladas will be the talk of the table! Happy cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Enchilada Sauce

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to whip up a fantastic enchilada sauce! This part is super easy and totally worth it. Trust me, once you taste this homemade sauce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, cook 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!

1. Make the Roux: Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the hot oil. Stir it around for about 20 seconds. This will help thicken your sauce and give it a lovely texture!

1. Add the Flavor: Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Mix in 2 tablespoons of Enchilada Spice Mix that you prepared earlier. Stir it well for about a minute until you can smell those delicious spices wafting through the air!

1. Pour in the Stock and Tomato: Gradually add 2 cups of chicken stock and 1.5 cups of tomato passata. Stir gently to combine everything. You want it smooth and creamy!

1. Simmer: Turn up the heat slightly and let the sauce cook for about 4 minutes. Keep whisking regularly until the sauce thickens. It should have a consistency similar to thick syrup.

1. Taste Test: Give it a little taste! If you want, add salt or more spices to fit your personal flavor preference. I always love a little extra kick!

1. Set Aside: Once your sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit. This will allow the flavors to deepen, making it even better!

And there you have it! A rich and flavorful enchilada sauce that is perfect for drenching your homemade enchiladas. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty! Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Get ready to layer this beauty over your enchiladas—it’s going to be a hit! Happy saucing!

Preparing the Chicken Filling for Maximum Flavor

Now that we have our enchilada sauce ready, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the chicken filling! This is where all the fun happens, and trust me, it’s all about layering flavors to create that juicy, delicious filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Coat the Chicken: Take your 600g of chicken breast and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Sprinkle on the Enchilada Spice Mix we made earlier. Toss it all together until every piece of chicken is generously coated. Yum!

1. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your coated chicken. Cook it for about 2 minutes, then flip it! After another 1.5 minutes, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This is key, as resting lets the juices stay in the chicken!

1. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant. The smell will be amazing!

1. Add More Flavor: Toss in 1 red bell pepper, diced. Cook for 2 more minutes until the onion is translucent. It’s such a pretty mixture, isn’t it?

1. Mix Everything Together: Now, chop your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Bring it back to the pan along with 400g of refried beans and 400g of canned corn (drained). Add 1/4 cup of water and stir it all together. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. You want it to be thick and juicy, not watery!

Now you have a delicious chicken filling that is bursting with flavor! Get ready to roll those enchiladas!

Tips for Perfectly Assembled and Baked Enchiladas

Alright, we’ve got our enchilada sauce and chicken filling ready—now it’s time to assemble and bake these bad boys! Don’t worry; I’ll share my favorite tips to make sure your enchiladas turn out perfectly every time!

Assembly Tips:

1. Prep Your Baking Dish: Start by smearing a little bit of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This will keep the tortillas from sticking while they bake!

1. Fill ‘Em Up: Lay a tortilla on a flat surface. In the lower third, spread about 2/3 cup of the chicken filling. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top—because, why not? It’s cheese!

1. Roll It Up: Carefully roll the tortilla from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go. Place it seam-side down in your baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas!

1. Top It Off: Once all your enchiladas are rolled and snug in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them. Don’t skimp on the sauce! Then, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top. The more cheese, the better, right?

Baking Tips:

• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 180°C (350°F).
• Bake Time: Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with a beautiful golden color on top!
• Garnish: Once they’re ready, sprinkle with some fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor!

And there you have it! Enjoy this wonderful feast with friends and family. Your homemade chicken enchiladas will definitely steal the show! Happy cooking!