Chicken Enchiladas I

Chicken Enchiladas I Recipe from Mexico - Creamy and Delicious

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Enchiladas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Mexico, with the first recorded mention of enchiladas dating back to the 18th century. The dish has since evolved and spread to other parts of the world, with many different variations and fillings being used.

Ingredients

1 can of cream of chicken soup
0.5 cup of sour cream
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 tsp of chili powder
2 cups of chopped cooked chicken
1 can of chopped green chilies
8 flour tortillas (8")
1 cup of shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

Mix the soup and sour cream together.
Heat the butter in a saucepan.
Add the onion and chili powder and cook until tender.
Add the chicken, chilies, and 2 tbsp of the soup mixture.
Spread 0.5 cup of the soup mixture in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) shallow baking dish.
Spoon about 0.5 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla.
Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Spoon the remaining soup mixture on top.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes or until hot.

Variations

You can use shredded beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add some diced tomatoes or green onions to the filling for extra freshness.
Top the enchiladas with sliced avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use cooked chicken for this recipe to save time.

- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for this recipe.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the enchiladas in the oven helps to melt the cheese and heat the filling evenly. Make sure to cover the dish with foil to prevent the tortillas from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.

- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce made with chicken broth and flour.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Enchiladas with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chicken Enchiladas with a refreshing Mexican beer or a glass of Sangria for a delicious and festive meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Enchiladas are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, cheese) and wheat (tortillas). It may also contain soy (margarine).

Summary

Chicken Enchiladas are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the delicious aroma of spices and savory meat wafting through the air. Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a bubbling pot of sauce with a look of concentration on her face.

"What are you making?" I asked, eagerly peering over her shoulder.

"Chicken enchiladas," Maria replied with a smile. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

I watched as she carefully assembled the enchiladas, layering tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy salsa into corn tortillas before rolling them up and placing them in a baking dish. Maria then poured a rich red sauce over the top and sprinkled on more cheese, creating a tantalizing picture of gooey, spicy goodness.

As the enchiladas baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with even more mouth-watering scents, Maria told me the story of how she learned to make them. She had grown up in a small village in Mexico, where her mother and grandmother cooked traditional dishes every day. Maria had spent countless hours in the kitchen with them, watching and learning as they expertly chopped, stirred, and seasoned their way to delicious meals.

When she was old enough, Maria began to help out with the cooking, gradually taking on more responsibility and experimenting with her own flavor combinations. She discovered that she had a knack for creating dishes that were both comforting and exciting, blending the familiar tastes of her childhood with new and interesting ingredients.

One day, Maria's grandmother taught her how to make the chicken enchiladas that had been a favorite in their family for generations. The recipe was simple but satisfying, with layers of flavor that built upon each other in a symphony of taste. Maria fell in love with the dish immediately, and it became a staple in her own cooking repertoire.

As I sat down at Maria's table to enjoy a steaming plate of her delicious enchiladas, I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, patiently guiding me through each step and offering tips and tricks to ensure that my enchiladas turned out just as flavorful as hers.

Over the years, I have made Maria's chicken enchiladas countless times, adapting and refining the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared them with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious they are. I have even entered them in cooking competitions, where they have won me accolades and prizes.

But no matter how many times I make them, Maria's chicken enchiladas will always hold a special place in my heart. They are a reminder of the time I spent in her kitchen, learning from her and experiencing the joy of creating a truly memorable meal. And every time I take a bite of those tender, cheesy, spicy enchiladas, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first saw the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.