Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Delight
Indulge in these Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Delight, an easy yet scrumptious meal that’s perfect for any occasion! This recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with melty cheese and zesty tomatoes, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Whether you're serving family or hosting friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Best of all, this dish is versatile; you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you prefer. Enjoy a hearty, comforting plate of these delectable enchiladas that promise to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is a keeper!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese
2 cups (shredded (Monterey Jack or cheddar))
chicken drumsticks
5 (frozen, with bones removed after cooking)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
2 (10 ounce) cans (or 2 cans chopped tomatoes, with 2 cans of green chiles)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped (green onions preferred))
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
corn tortillas
6 (none)
shortening
1 tablespoon (for spreading)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the five frozen chicken drumsticks into your slow cooker. Pour in two cans of Rotel tomatoes with chilies, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cook on low for approximately 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
2
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, and let it cool slightly. Discard the bones and place the chicken meat into a mixing bowl. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a few spoonfuls of the tomato mixture from the slow cooker. Mix well to combine.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, warm your corn tortillas by spreading a thin layer of shortening on each one and microwaving them on a safe plate for about 1 minute until soft and pliable.
4
Fill each tortilla with 2-3 spoonfuls of the chicken and cheese mixture, then roll them tightly like a cigar. Place each rolled tortilla seam side down in a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish. If you're doubling the recipe, feel free to use a larger dish.
5
In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture from the slow cooker with the sour cream. Mix until smooth.
6
Drizzle the sour cream mixture over the enchiladas, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Delight?
It is a hearty and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty tomatoes wrapped in warm corn tortillas.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for five frozen chicken drumsticks which are slow-cooked until tender.
How do I cook the chicken for these enchiladas?
Place the frozen chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker with two cans of Rotel tomatoes and cook on low for about 7 hours.
Can I substitute Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 2 cans of chopped tomatoes mixed with 2 cans of green chiles as a substitute for Rotel.
How do I handle the chicken bones?
After slow cooking, the chicken should easily pull away from the bone; simply discard the bones before mixing the meat with other ingredients.
What types of cheese are recommended?
Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are the preferred choices for this recipe.
How much cheese is needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded cheese.
How is the internal filling for the tortillas made?
The filling is a mixture of the shredded chicken meat, 1 cup of cheese, chopped onions, and a few spoonfuls of the tomato mixture from the slow cooker.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of chopped onion, with green onions being the preferred variety.
How do I soften the corn tortillas before rolling?
Spread a thin layer of shortening on each tortilla and microwave them for about 1 minute until they are soft and pliable.
Why do I use shortening on the tortillas?
Shortening helps soften the tortillas and prevents them from cracking when they are rolled into the cigar shape.
How many tortillas does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 6 corn tortillas.
How do I assemble the enchiladas?
Fill each softened tortilla with 2-3 spoonfuls of the chicken mixture, roll them tightly, and place them seam side down in a baking dish.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 1 1/2-quart baking dish is recommended for a single batch of this recipe.
What goes into the enchilada topping sauce?
The topping is made by mixing 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture from the slow cooker with 1/2 cup of sour cream.
When do I add the rest of the cheese?
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top after drizzling the sour cream mixture over the rolled enchiladas.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat and bake the enchiladas at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
Bake them covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Why should I cover the dish with foil during baking?
Covering with foil ensures the dish is heated through and stays bubbly without the tortillas becoming too hard or dry.
What is the benefit of removing the foil for the last 5 minutes?
Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese topping to achieve a golden, bubbly finish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is customizable; the standard recipe uses Rotel tomatoes with chilies for a zesty but generally mild-to-medium heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can slow cook the chicken in advance and assemble the enchiladas when you are ready to bake.
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
While the recipe specifies corn, you can use flour tortillas, though they may require less warming time and will have a different texture.
What should I do if I want to double the recipe?
Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate the additional enchiladas.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What tags describe this recipe?
It is tagged as enchiladas, chicken, cheese, Mexican, comfort food, easy recipe, oven baked, and quick meal.
Does the recipe require any preparation for the sour cream?
No, just mix it with a portion of the tomato liquid from the slow cooker until the consistency is smooth.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as an easy yet scrumptious meal perfect for serving family or hosting friends.
How much shortening is needed for the tortillas?
You will need approximately 1 tablespoon of shortening for the entire batch.
What makes this chicken particularly flavorful?
The 7-hour slow cooking process with Rotel tomatoes allows the chicken to absorb the juices and spices thoroughly.