Enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish that brings together the rich flavors of enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and cheese wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
If you don't usually have corn tortillas or enchilada sauce in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Corn tortillas can often be found in the international or Mexican food aisle, while enchilada sauce is typically available in the same section or near the canned goods.

Ingredients For Enchiladas Recipe
Corn tortillas: These are the base of the enchiladas, providing a soft and slightly chewy texture that holds the filling together.
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken adds a hearty and protein-rich filling to the enchiladas.
Shredded cheese: Melts over the enchiladas, adding a creamy and savory layer to the dish.
Enchilada sauce: A flavorful sauce that coats the tortillas and infuses the dish with a rich, spicy taste.
Sour cream: Served on the side, it adds a cool and tangy contrast to the warm enchiladas.
Chopped cilantro: A fresh and vibrant garnish that enhances the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.
Technique Tip for Making Enchiladas
When warming the tortillas in a skillet, use a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will enhance their flavor and make them more pliable for rolling. If using a microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat for about 20-30 seconds to achieve the same effect.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll. They also have a neutral flavor that complements the filling.
cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor to chicken, making it a suitable replacement. It's also a good way to use up leftover turkey.
shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled queso fresco: Queso fresco is a traditional Mexican cheese that adds a slightly tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
enchilada sauce - Substitute with salsa verde: Salsa verde provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that works well with enchiladas, offering a different but delicious taste profile.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, but with added protein and less fat.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a similar bright green color, making it a good alternative for garnish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Enchiladas
How to Store or Freeze Enchiladas
- Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tortillas soggy.
- For short-term storage, place the enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- If you plan to freeze the enchiladas, wrap each portion tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Place the wrapped enchiladas in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- For best results, consume frozen enchiladas within 2-3 months. This ensures they retain their quality and taste.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream as desired.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover enchiladas in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warmed through. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Microwave Method: Place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Add more time if necessary, but be careful not to overcook.
Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the enchiladas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. This method will give you a nice crispy texture.
Steam Method: If you have a steamer, place the enchiladas in the steamer basket. Steam for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through. This method keeps them moist and tender.
Essential Tools for Making Enchiladas
Oven: Used to bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Skillet: Used to warm the tortillas, making them pliable for rolling.
Microwave: An alternative to the skillet for warming the tortillas.
Baking dish: Holds the rolled tortillas and enchilada sauce while baking.
Mixing bowl: Useful for mixing the shredded chicken and cheese if desired.
Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Knife: Used to chop the cilantro for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the cilantro.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the enchilada sauce, sour cream, and cheese.
Spatula: Helps to spread the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.
Tongs: Useful for handling the warm tortillas without burning your fingers.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Enchiladas
Prepare the filling: Cook and shred the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge until needed.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by buying pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Microwave tortillas: Quickly warm the tortillas in the microwave to make them pliable.
Assemble ahead: Roll the enchiladas and store them in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Pre-made sauce: Use store-bought enchilada sauce to cut down on preparation time.
One-dish cooking: Use a baking dish that can go from oven to table for easy serving and cleanup.

Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces Corn tortillas
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 1 cup Enchilada sauce
- 1 cup Sour cream for serving
- 1 cup Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and a little cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for Enchiladas
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