Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels like comfort food but comes together with minimal effort, these Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are your answer. Packed with savory shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a zesty red enchilada sauce, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver that never disappoints.
Every bite is warm, gooey, and deeply satisfying, wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe is simple, reliable, and full of classic flavor that makes everyone reach for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
This recipe is all about ease and flavor. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie to cut down prep time. The enchiladas are customizable, so you can add beans, corn, or even extra spice depending on your preferences. Plus, they bake in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for nights when you need a meal on the table fast.
What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well, but it depends on what texture you prefer. Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, easier to roll and generally more kid-friendly. Corn tortillas have a richer, more authentic flavor and hold up beautifully if you lightly fry them before rolling. If you’re gluten-free, corn is the way to go.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe keeps things straightforward while maximizing flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect cheesy, saucy bite.
- Shredded chicken: The base of the filling. Use cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Red enchilada sauce: Adds bold flavor and moisture. Use store-bought or homemade.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Your vessel for all the good stuff.
- Shredded cheese: A melty mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Diced green chiles: For mild heat and a touch of tang.
- Cumin and garlic powder: Boosts the flavor of the chicken filling.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional, but gives a nice fresh finish.


How To Make the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, half the cheese, green chiles, sour cream, cumin, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out each tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue until the dish is full.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storing Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas serve 4 to 6 people, making them perfect for families or small gatherings. They reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. To store, cover with foil or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and keep frozen for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Chicken Enchiladas?
Mexican Rice
A classic pairing that makes the meal complete.
Refried Beans
Creamy, savory, and satisfying on the side.
Guacamole
Fresh and cooling to balance the spice.
Corn Salad
A sweet and crunchy contrast.
Chips and Salsa
Perfect for dipping and snacking.
Pickled Jalapeños
Adds an extra spicy kick.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled, cheesy, and tangy corn on the cob.
Margarita or Agua Fresca
For something refreshing to sip on.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you’re into these Chicken Enchiladas, check out these other comforting meals:
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
- Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use flour or corn tortillas? Try adding black beans or jalapeños?
I love seeing your twists on this simple classic. And questions are always welcome — let’s make dinnertime easier together.
Explore more comforting dishes and health-forward ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and fill your week with meals worth remembering!
Conclusion
Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are exactly what they promise: hearty, flavorful, and simple to throw together. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s a keeper of a recipe that you’ll reach for whenever the craving for something warm and cheesy hits.


Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect weeknight dinner packed with bold red enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and melty cheese. This easy chicken enchilada recipe is ideal for busy families craving comfort food fast. Great for meal prep or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded chicken
1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, 1 cup cheese, green chiles, sour cream, cumin, and garlic powder.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Lightly fry corn tortillas to prevent cracking.
Enchiladas taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
