Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

There’s something magical about the comforting nature of chicken enchiladas. Growing up, they were a staple at our family gatherings. I remember the aroma of spices filling the kitchen as my mom prepared her famous dish, bringing everyone together for a cozy evening. Fast forward to today, I still cherish those moments and strive to recreate my mom’s recipe with my own twist.

Chicken enchiladas deliver warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of tender, shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with rich, homemade enchilada sauce, and melted cheese truly encapsulates comfort food at its finest. Each enchilada is a celebration of flavors that transport me back to those cherished dinners with loved ones.

This recipe ensures your chicken enchiladas shine with vibrant flavors and the perfect texture. Let’s dive in and explore this delightful dish that can become a family favorite, just as it has in my home.

Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Fundamentals

Creating chicken enchiladas begins with understanding the essential elements of the dish. The combination of tender, shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and warm tortillas creates an irresistible meal. The atmosphere in your kitchen transforms as you prepare each ingredient, from sautéing onions to warming tortillas. This part of the process brings back fond memories and sets the stage for a delightful dinner.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into cooking, gather all ingredients. Having everything organized creates a smoother cooking experience. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This early step ensures your enchiladas bake perfectly as you prepare the filling and roll the tortillas.

Ingredients

To make your delicious chicken enchiladas, you need:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken along with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, rolling them up tightly.
4. Spread a little enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the rolled enchiladas seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Chicken Enchiladas: Technique

Tips/tricks

A few techniques help elevate your chicken enchiladas from good to great. First, choose quality tortillas. Corn tortillas provide the best flavor and texture but be sure to warm them up to prevent tearing.

When rolling your enchiladas, don’t overfill them. Each tortilla should hold enough filling to be satisfying but not so much that it can’t close securely. Practice makes perfect when it comes to rolling!

Another tip is to add a bit of cheese both inside the enchiladas and on top. This creates a delightful cheesy layer throughout. Lastly, consider using a blend of cheeses for added flavor complexity.

Enchiladas: Perfecting results

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter any issues while making chicken enchiladas, don’t worry. The most common problem is the tortillas breaking, usually due to them being too cold or too stiff. Warm them gently in a dry skillet or microwave to maintain their flexibility, making them easier to roll.

If your enchiladas come out too dry, ensure you don’t skimp on the sauce. You want a generous amount to keep the tortillas moist and complement the filling. On the other hand, if they end up too soggy, reduce the amount of sauce and ensure you’re not overbaking them.

Feel free to experiment with the fillings. Instead of chicken, try shredded beef or a combination of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adjusting the spices can also completely change the profile—keep it mild or amp up the heat with jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Enchiladas: Serving/presentation

Pairings/storage

When serving chicken enchiladas, presentation matters. Serve them hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro on a vibrant plate. The bright green of the cilantro enhances the look of the dish while adding a fresh flavor.

For sides, consider classic accompaniments like Mexican rice or refried beans. You could also add a light salad to balance the richness of the enchiladas.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture, or warm them in the microwave. Enjoying these enchiladas the next day is just as satisfying!

Chicken enchiladas bring a burst of flavor and comfort to any meal. This recipe celebrates authentic flavors and techniques, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Embrace the joy of cooking as you create this delicious dish that embodies warmth and love—just like my mother used to make. The experience of crafting these enchiladas in your kitchen can evoke beautiful memories and forge new ones with every bite.

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