Chicken Enchiladas


 Cuisine: American  Type: Entree

Chicken Enchiladas : Entree in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
2 cups (480)
Tortillas
12 pieces (360)
Cheese
2 cups (240)
Enchilada Sauce
2 cups (480)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Cilantro
1 cup (16)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
 Totals
61 oz (1,730 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Tortillas
150
Cheese
200
Sour Cream
100
Enchilada Sauce
50
Onion
50
Garlic
10
Olive Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Cilantro
5
 Totals
935 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.

Step 3: Add shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the spices.

Step 4: Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, just enough to cover the surface.

Step 5: Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of chicken mixture onto the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.

Step 6: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them completely.

Step 7: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.

Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.

Step 10: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve the chicken enchiladas hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Enchiladas!

 Substitutions 


- Chicken: Substitute with cooked ground beef, shredded pork, or cooked and shredded turkey. Adjust cooking time if needed based on the type of meat used.
- Enchilada sauce: Substitute with tomato sauce mixed with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
- Tortillas: Substitute with corn tortillas or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas may require a quick fry in oil before filling to prevent them from breaking.
- Cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar cheese. Adjust the amount according to personal preference.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or scallions for a milder flavor, or omit if desired.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use about half the amount specified in the recipe.
- Cilantro: Substitute with fresh parsley or omit if preferred.
- Sour cream: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt or Mexican crema.
- Green chilies: Substitute with diced jalapenos or canned diced green chilies.
- Black olives: Substitute with sliced green olives or omit if desired.
- Cumin: Substitute with ground coriander or chili powder for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the amount according to personal taste preferences.

Please note that the quantities required for each substitute ingredient may vary based on personal preference and the original recipe.

 Pairings 


- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Corn on the cob
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Black beans
- Mexican street corn
- Pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips
- Queso dip
- Mexican coleslaw
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeno peppers
- Cilantro-lime crema

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a swirl of sour cream or Mexican crema on top of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or grated Cotija cheese over the enchiladas.
- Serve the enchiladas on a bed of shredded lettuce or a colorful salsa.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Incorporate a variety of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for a more complex taste.
- Enhance the sauce by adding a splash of lime juice, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of chipotle powder.
- Use homemade chicken stock or broth instead of store-bought for a richer flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular chicken with tender, grilled chicken breast or slow-cooked pulled chicken.
- Upgrade the tortillas to handmade corn tortillas or even flavored tortillas like spinach or tomato.
- Include premium ingredients like jumbo lump crab meat, lobster, or even truffle shavings as a filling.
- Finish the enchiladas with a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle some edible gold flakes for an extravagant touch.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean chicken breast instead of dark meat or processed chicken.
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Replace full-fat cheese with reduced-fat or low-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat content.
- Include plenty of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to increase the nutrient density.
- Use homemade or low-sodium enchilada sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a healthier topping option.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure all ingredients, including tortillas and sauces, are gluten-free.
- For dairy-free diets, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese altogether.
- For vegetarian or vegan diets, substitute chicken with plant-based protein options like tofu, seitan, or beans.
- Adjust spice levels to accommodate individuals with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Opt for lean chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace full-fat cheese with reduced-fat or part-skim varieties to cut down on calories and saturated fat.
- Load up on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to increase nutrient density.
- Use homemade or low-sodium enchilada sauce to reduce sodium levels.
- Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative with added protein.
- Consider baking or grilling the enchiladas instead of frying to reduce the amount of added oil.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of high-calorie dips or sauces.
- Limit the amount of added salt by using herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
- Consider adding black beans or quinoa to the filling for added fiber and protein.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch to save time.
2. Opt for pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself to cut down on prep time.
3. Consider using canned enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch for a faster preparation.
4. Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas as they are easier to handle and require less time to soften.
5. Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a cheaper alternative without compromising taste.
6. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions to bulk up the filling and reduce the amount of chicken needed.
7. Skip the step of frying the tortillas and instead warm them in the microwave or oven to save time and reduce oil usage.
8. Make a larger batch of enchiladas and freeze the leftovers for future quick and convenient meals.
9. Consider using leftover cooked chicken or turkey from previous meals to further economize.
10. Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance flavor without relying heavily on expensive ingredients.