Chicken And Cheese Enchiladas
Creamy chicken and cheese enchiladas feature tender shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and savory olives wrapped in tortillas and baked in flavorful enchilada sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry tortillas in vegetable oil for about a minute on each side.
- Warm enchilada sauce in a pan.
- Slightly grease a casserole dish with butter or shortening.
- Lay a tortilla in the casserole dish.
- Spoon enchilada sauce on the tortilla.
- Sprinkle with some chicken, cheese, and olives.
- Roll up the tortilla and place it, seam side down, in the casserole dish.
- Repeat for each tortilla.
- Pour remaining sauce, cheese, and olives over the assembled enchiladas.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken before assembling the enchiladas. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out half of the cheese for a low-fat variety. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables. Pair these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. They pair beautifully with a simple side salad or homemade guacamole. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of One Pan Potatoes And Chicken for a hearty combination that complements these delicious enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Cheese Enchiladas contains roughly 1834 calories, with 54g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add the sauce and cheese right before you bake them to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
You can easily substitute shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked quinoa for a vegetarian option. For a different flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the enchilada sauce. Alternatively, using a spicier enchilada sauce or adding cayenne pepper will elevate the heat level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).