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Chicken enchiladas with melted cheese and red sauce in baking dish

Chicken Enchiladas

Tender shredded chicken seasoned with cumin and chili powder, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in rich red enchilada sauce with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 can store-bought red enchilada sauce 10 oz
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 8 flour tortillas 8-inch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped cilantro for garnish
  • sour cream for serving

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you haven't cooked the chicken yet, boil or bake it until fully cooked, then shred using two forks or your hands.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir together and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  4. Pour a small amount of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Take a flour tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
  6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, covering each enchilada well. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent tearing. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Add jalapeños for extra heat. Swap chicken for black beans for a vegetarian option.