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A close-up of golden-brown chicken enchiladas arranged on a ceramic plate, topped with vibrant red sauce, melted cheese, and green garnish, with steam rising, creating an inviting and hearty presentation.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

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Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce is a flavorful and hearty Mexican dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Tender shredded chicken is wrapped in warm tortillas, smothered in rich red sauce, and topped with melted cheeses for a comforting, authentic taste of Mexico.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Combine chicken and seasonings: Stir in cooked shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the tortillas: Briefly warm tortillas to make them pliable. Pour a small amount of red sauce into a shallow dish to soften the tortillas further.
  4. Fill and roll: Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
  5. Cover with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
  7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for vibrant flavor. Serve hot with sides like homemade coleslaw or a fresh salad for a complete Mexican meal. For perfect side dishes, check out this best coleslaw recipe.

Notes

  • Use freshly prepared homemade red sauce for a more authentic flavor.
  • Pre-cooking and shredding chicken in advance speeds up assembly.
  • Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and tearing.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Affordable, Family-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg