Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas
Tender shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and smothered in a smoky red sauce, baked with melted cheese. Celebrating the vibrant Hispanic culinary heritage documented across U.S. census data. This chicken-inspired mexican ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken broth, warmed corn tortillas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8, warmed corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 lb chicken breasts in a pot with 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes until fully cooked through and tender.
- Step 2: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and set aside. Pour broth into a small bowl and reserve 1/2 cup for the sauce.
- Step 3: Heat 2 cups red enchilada sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring in reserved 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup of sauce evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Dip each corn tortilla into the sauce for 10 seconds to soften, then place on a plate.
- Step 5: Layer 1/4 cup shredded chicken down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Step 6: Pour remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they're fully covered. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with 3 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving with avocado slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hispanic Chicken Enchiladas?
Chicken mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.