President Bill Clinton'S Favorite Recipe(Chicken Enchiladas)
Creamy, flavorful chicken enchiladas with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love bold Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a skillet.
- Saute chopped green chilies with minced garlic in the oil.
- Drain and break up the tomatoes; reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid.
- Add tomatoes, chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, oregano, and the reserved tomato liquid to the chilies and garlic; simmer uncovered until thick, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Combine cooked shredded chicken with sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Heat 1/3 cup oil; dip tortillas in oil until they become limp.
- Drain tortillas well on paper towels.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll up, and arrange side by side, seam down, in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the enchiladas.
- Bake at 250°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy green chilies. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. If you prefer a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese and sour cream. This dish also pairs well with Chicken Chalupas With Sauce for a Mexican-themed dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal. Fresh guacamole and pico de gallo can enhance the flavors beautifully. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette also complements this dish well. For additional variety, consider pairing these enchiladas with Chicken Mexican Delight for a festive dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat, as this can make the tortillas tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of President Bill Clinton'S Favorite Recipe(Chicken Enchiladas) contains roughly 634 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% 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 these enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For a twist, shredded beef or pork can also be used, providing a different flavor profile while still being delicious.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, allow it to simmer longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the simmering sauce and stir until it thickens. This method is quick and effective for achieving the desired consistency.
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).