Chicken enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas rolled around a filling of shredded chicken. The enchiladas are then smothered in a flavorful chili sauce and topped with cheese, baking to a bubbly perfection. This dish is typically garnished with fresh ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil (for frying tortillas)
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Oven
- Stovetop
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knives
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil (if storing or to prevent cheese from burning)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned.
- Sauté Onions:
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
- Prepare Tortillas:
- Heat a small amount of oil in another large frying pan over medium heat. Quickly fry each tortilla for about 10-20 seconds on each side or until soft. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble Enchiladas:
- Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, then fill with the chicken mixture, a bit of sautéed onion, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Top and Bake:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the dish, making sure to cover them entirely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and diced tomatoes.
Chicken enchiladas are versatile and can be adapted to include various fillings such as beef, pork, or vegetarian options. They are perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to please any crowd.