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Photorealistic shot of rich red enchilada sauce and a bubbly blanket of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

The Best Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

These perfectly baked Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas feature a savory shredded chicken filling, rich red enchilada sauce, and a bubbly, golden-brown cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese crust garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken 450g, rotisserie or freshly poached
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml
  • 0.5 cup white onion 75g, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning 7g
  • 8 medium flour or corn tortillas 8-inch size
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce 473ml, divided use
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese 170g, freshly shredded
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese 170g, freshly shredded
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro 15g, finely chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 White Ceramic Baking Dish 9x13-inch size is ideal for holding 8 rolled tortillas.
  • 1 Large Skillet For sautéing aromatics and warming the chicken filling.

Method
 

Preparation and Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch white ceramic baking dish and spread 1/2 cup (120ml) of red enchilada sauce on the bottom.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions for 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds. Mix in shredded chicken and 1/4 cup (60ml) of enchilada sauce until warm.
  3. Warm the tortillas. Spoon the chicken mixture down the center of each, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  4. Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle the mixed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in a thick blanket over the top.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden-brown.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Tip 1. Grate your own cheese off the block for the best bubbly melt.
Tip 2. Ensure your tortillas are gently warmed before rolling to prevent cracking.