Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce
These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a savory delight perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Packed with tender, flavorful chicken and pepper jack cheese, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, they provide a comforting hug of flavor with every bite. This recipe is designed for convenience, allowing you to double it and save one for a busy night; simply freeze before baking. The homemade enchilada sauce adds a rich, savory note while allowing you to adjust the spice to your liking. Serve with fresh greens, sour cream, and avocado for a complete meal everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 lb (cut into pieces)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
flour tortillas
10 (none)
monterey jack pepper cheese
3 cups (shredded)
butter
1/4 cup (none)
flour
3 tablespoons (none)
tomato paste
3 tablespoons (none)
cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
optional toppings
to taste (such as greens, sour cream, avocados, tomatoes)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a 12-inch stainless steel skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3
While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
5
Add a splash of water to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to low to finish cooking the chicken through.
6
While the chicken cooks, chop the onion into small pieces.
7
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a large bowl. Separate any cooking liquid from the fat, reserving the liquid for later use.
8
Return the fat to the skillet and reheat over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until slightly browned, then set aside with the chicken.
9
Melt the butter in the skillet, continuing to cook until foaming subsides. Add the flour and stir for about a minute to create a roux.
10
Whisk in the tomato paste along with cumin and chili powder; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
11
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and the reserved cooking liquid until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
12
Taste your sauce and season it with salt to preference, then remove from heat.
13
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sautéed onions.
14
In each flour tortilla, place a spoonful of the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, reserving some cheese for topping.
15
Roll up the tortillas tightly, placing them seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
16
Pour the homemade enchilada sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the enchiladas.
17
If you've prepared extra for freezing, cover it tightly and place it in the freezer at this stage.
18
Bake for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
19
Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, fresh greens, sliced avocado, or diced tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The recipe is for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use one pound of boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What size skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken?
A 12-inch stainless steel skillet is recommended.
How should the chicken be seasoned?
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
What is the secret to tender chicken in this recipe?
After browning, add a splash of water, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low to finish cooking.
How should the onion be prepared?
The medium onion should be chopped into small pieces.
What do I do with the cooking liquid from the chicken?
Reserve the cooking liquid to use later as part of the enchilada sauce.
How is the enchilada sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by creating a roux with butter and flour.
What spices are used in the homemade sauce?
The sauce uses cumin and chili powder for flavor.
How long do I cook the tomato paste and spices?
Cook them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
How do I shred the cooked chicken?
Use two forks to shred the chicken once it has cooled slightly.
What kind of tortillas are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 10 flour tortillas.
What type of cheese is best for these enchiladas?
Monterey Jack pepper cheese is recommended for a creamy and slightly spicy finish.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 3 cups of shredded cheese.
How do I assemble the enchiladas?
Place a spoonful of chicken and a sprinkle of cheese in each tortilla, then roll tightly.
How should the tortillas be placed in the baking dish?
Place them seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Can I freeze these enchiladas for later?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and freeze them before baking.
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
Bake them for 20 minutes.
How do I know when the enchiladas are done?
They are ready when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has turned golden brown.
What are some suggested garnishes?
Top with sour cream, fresh greens, sliced avocado, or diced tomatoes.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
Vegetable oil is used to cook the chicken and onions.
Is the enchilada sauce spicy?
The homemade sauce allows you to adjust the chili powder and cumin to your preferred spice level.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter.
How much chicken broth is used?
You will need 2 cups of chicken broth.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
The recipe specifies flour tortillas, but corn tortillas can be used if preferred, though they may require lightly steaming first.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
It provides a rich, savory base and deep color for the enchilada sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is designed for convenience and can be easily doubled to save a portion for later.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is the correct size.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste.