Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

Creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas with vibrant peppers and onions, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that appeals to the whole family.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 large bell pepper, cut in strips
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (10 oz.) can mild enchilada sauce, divided
  • 8 flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a nonstick skillet over high heat, combine cooked shredded chicken, bell pepper strips, and chopped onion. Saute until cooked.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce to the skillet; stir to combine.
  5. Fill each flour tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
  6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the assembled tortillas.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for black beans or sautéed mushrooms. You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. Make sure to warm the tortillas slightly before filling to prevent them from cracking.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas pair beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. Consider serving them with a fresh salad topped with avocado, or a dollop of sour cream and salsa for added flavor. They also complement well with classic Mexican recipes like Frijitas for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas contains roughly 217 calories, with 13g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 635mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

217 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.5g 27% DV
Total Fat 11.2g 14% DV
Carbs 15.7g 6% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 2.8g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 634.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 180.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 26.9mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 105.8mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 36.5mg 41% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 264.3mg 20% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the vegetables as directed in the recipe. This makes the prep even quicker and is a delicious way to use leftover meat.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold.

What can I substitute for the enchilada sauce?

If you don't have enchilada sauce, you can use a homemade version by blending canned tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Alternatively, salsa can be a great substitute for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it's not too chunky for easy pouring.

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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