Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas

why make this recipe

Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for busy evenings when you want a tasty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender rotisserie chicken with flavorful sauce and melty cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas. The recipe is simple to follow and can easily feed a family, making it a fantastic go-to option for weeknight dinners.

how to make Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 chipotles in adobo, chopped
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 2 c. chicken stock
• 2 tbsp. corn starch
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 3 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/3 c. to 1/2 cup canola oil
• 12 corn tortillas
• 4 oz. cheese, grated (such as Monterey jack, Cheddar, or a combo of the two—about 1 cup)
• Fresh cilantro and sour cream, for serving

Directions

Make sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic, chipotles in adobo, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring often for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is a dark maroon color.
3. Stir in ground cumin and chili powder, then cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Take 1/4 cup of the stock mixture and whisk in corn starch in a bowl.
6. Return this slurry to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar and season the sauce with salt.
8. Blend the mixture in a blender (remove the plastic cap and cover the opening with a dish towel) until smooth, about 30 seconds.
9. Transfer 1/2 cup of the sauce to a bowl, add the shredded chicken, and toss to coat. Set the remaining sauce aside.

Make enchiladas:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half of the reserved sauce at the bottom of an 8-by-8-inch broiler-proof baking dish.
3. Heat 1/3 cup of canola oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry each tortilla one at a time, turning once until they just begin to turn golden around the edges, about 1 minute. Add more oil if needed.
5. Transfer the tortillas to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
6. Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas, roll them up, and place seam side down in the baking dish over the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through.
9. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
10. Serve with fresh cilantro and sour cream.

how to serve Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas

Serve these enchiladas hot, topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. You can also offer additional toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. Pair with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

how to store Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas

To store leftovers, cover the enchiladas tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

tips to make Weeknight Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy filling, but feel free to cook your own chicken if you prefer.
• If you want a milder sauce, reduce the number of chipotles or use just the adobo sauce.
• For a bit of crunch, add some sautéed bell peppers or onion to the chicken mixture.

variation

You can customize these enchiladas by changing the type of cheese or using different proteins like beef or black beans. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also enhance the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you are ready to eat.

2. What can I substitute for tortillas?
   You can use flour tortillas or even make a low-carb version using zucchini slices.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
   The level of spice can vary based on the chipotles used. You can adjust the amount or omit them for a milder flavor.