Chicken And Spinach Enchiladas(Mexican Meal)
Creamy chicken and spinach enchiladas feature tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for a comforting Mexican-inspired family meal.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken breast halves, skinned ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz) cartons sour cream ⓘ
- 3 cups (12 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 16 flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts for 40 minutes or until tender.
- Remove chicken and let cool slightly. Debone, dice, and set aside.
- Cook spinach according to package directions and drain well. Reserve 1 cup spinach broth.
- Saute diced onion in melted butter until tender. Stir in spinach and chicken. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine undiluted cream of chicken soup, reserved spinach broth, milk, drained green chilies, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Stir half of the sauce mixture into the chicken and spinach mixture.
- Reserve the remaining sauce.
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly onto the center of each flour tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas and place seam side down into two lightly greased baking pans.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, dividing into 16 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and garlic before boiling. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. This recipe can also be adapted with different proteins or vegetables for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. They pair wonderfully with a side of Cilantro Soup or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Mexican recipes like Mexican Chimichangas or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Spinach Enchiladas(Mexican Meal) contains roughly 568 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 924mg per serving (40% 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 make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble them as directed and cover tightly with foil. When ready to bake, remove the foil and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through.
What can I use instead of chicken breast?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or swap it out for ground turkey or beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, ensuring to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Absolutely! Unbaked enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are still cold.
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).