Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A quick, smoky chicken enchilada dish with a creamy red chili sauce that balances spice and richness—perfect for a weeknight family dinner

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Ingredients

  • red chili sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. shortening
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • pinch of oregano
  • pinch of cumin
  • salad oil
  • 1 (11 oz.) can tortillas
  • 1 c. light cream
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes

Instructions

  1. Heat 1/2-inch of salad oil in a small skillet until very hot and use 1 dozen tortillas from the can.
  2. Fry the tortillas one at a time, 15 seconds on each side, ensuring they do not become crisp.
  3. Drain the tortillas.
  4. In a saucepan, heat the light cream with the chicken bouillon cubes until the cubes dissolve.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your chicken enchiladas, consider using homemade red chili sauce instead of store-bought. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder or substitute with paprika. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves prep time. Ensure the tortillas are just soft enough to roll without tearing by frying them briefly in hot salad oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious chicken enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole also adds a refreshing touch. These enchiladas pair beautifully with Enchiladas Suizas for a delightful dinner spread. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Chicken Enchiladas contains roughly 935 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1865mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

935 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 87.1g 100% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1864.8mg 81% DV
Potassium 361.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 27.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 101.5mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Calcium 268.9mg 21% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 in advance, assemble them completely, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're coming straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for light cream?

If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream to achieve a similar creaminess. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with cornstarch to mimic the texture of light cream.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the filling. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the enchiladas before serving or use a spicy red chili sauce instead of mild. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!

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).

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