Easy Chicken Enchiladas: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Name: Easy Chicken Enchiladas: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup masa harina; 6 cups chicken broth (divided); 1 4-ounce can green chiles; 1 15-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup red enchilada sauce (preferably mild); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 15-ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained); 12 ounces frozen corn; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into small cubes); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Easy chicken enchiladas are a delicious and wholesome dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This recipe combines creamy chicken, savory spices, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights!

Table of Contents

Easy chicken enchiladas soup garnished with cheese and tomatoes.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Overview

What Makes This Recipe Easy?

This easy chicken enchiladas recipe shines with its straightforward steps and minimal prep time. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Delicious and easy chicken enchiladas for family meals.

Key Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Gather these essential ingredients for a vibrant and tasty meal:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup masa harina
6 cups chicken broth, divided
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup red enchilada sauce (preferably mild)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
12 ounces frozen corn
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

Begin by heating olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cooking the Chicken

Sprinkle masa harina over the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking for about a minute while stirring constantly. Gradually add about 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Next, stir in green chiles, fire roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, enchilada sauce, and the remaining chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Add the chicken, black beans, and corn, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks before returning it to the pot. Mix well and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted.

Baking and Serving

Finally, remove the pot from heat and add in the shredded cheese, mixing until it’s deliciously melted. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, like sour cream or fresh cilantro, to enhance the flavors even more.

Flavor Profile of Easy Chicken Enchiladas

The flavor profile of these easy chicken enchiladas is a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and a hint of spice. The richness of the cream cheese mingles beautifully with the spices, giving each bite a comforting warmth.

Tips for the Best Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken or other types of canned beans. For a richer taste, finely chopped corn tortillas can be a substitute for masa harina, adding a unique texture.

Adjusting Spice Levels

To tailor the heat to your family’s preference, consider using different levels of enchilada sauce. Mild sauces are kid-friendly, while medium or hot varieties can spice things up for adults.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover easy chicken enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. However, freezing is not recommended after adding cream cheese and shredded cheese, as the texture may change.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Consider adding different vegetables or even swapping out the chicken for shredded beef for a delicious twist. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings something unique to the table.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for easy chicken enchiladas?

You need olive oil, onions, garlic, masa harina, chicken broth, green chiles, fire roasted tomatoes, spices, red enchilada sauce, chicken, black beans, corn, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.

How do I make easy chicken enchiladas step by step?

Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add masa harina and chicken broth. Mix in other ingredients, simmer, shred the chicken, and serve with melted cheese.

Can I make easy chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the enchiladas.

How should I store leftover easy chicken enchiladas?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Avoid freezing after adding cream cheese and cheese.

Conclusion

These easy chicken enchiladas are not only a delight to your taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring family together. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that everyone will cherish. For more culinary inspiration and recipes, visit our Pinterest page for tons of ideas!