Introduction
Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned chicken, rolled in tortillas, and topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8-10 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream and lime wedges for serving
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Stir in the shredded chicken and black beans, mixing well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll it up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Historical Context
Enchiladas have their roots in Mexican cuisine, where tortillas have been used to wrap food since ancient times. The modern enchilada, featuring tortillas filled with various ingredients and covered in sauce, evolved from these traditional practices and has become a beloved dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Enchiladas are a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein.
- Black Beans: Provide additional protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein, but also contributes to the fat content.
- Tortillas and Enchilada Sauce: Provide carbohydrates for energy.
Conclusion and Serving Suggestions
Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or some guacamole and chips for a complete meal. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
