Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. These enchiladas are filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Enchiladas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Mexico, where it was traditionally made with corn tortillas filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, beans, and vegetables. Over time, different regions in Mexico developed their own variations of enchiladas, including the creamy chicken enchiladas that we know and love today.

Ingredients

1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded into bite-sized pieces
4 cups torn fresh spinach leaves or 1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 8 oz (227 g) carton of nonfat sour cream
0.25 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup 1% milk
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
6 flour tortillas, 6-8 inches in diameter
0.33 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

In a medium-sized saucepan, cook fresh spinach with a small amount of water, covered, for 5 minutes on medium-high heat. If using frozen spinach, do not cook it. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, spinach, and green onions. Mix well and set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine sour cream, yogurt, flour, cumin, and salt. Add milk and jalapeño pepper and mix well.
Pour half of the sauce into the chicken and spinach mixture and mix well.
Divide the filling among the tortillas. Fold opposite ends of a tortilla up about 1 inch over the filling, then fold the left and right sides over the folded end, overlapping.
Place filled tortillas, seam sides down, on an ungreased rectangular baking dish.
Spoon the remaining sauce over the tortillas and bake, uncovered, in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and let stand for 5 minutes.
Top with salsa and chopped green onions as desired and serve.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn to the filling for added flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent the enchiladas from becoming too watery.

- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeño pepper used in the sauce.

- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own chicken breast.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Baking the enchiladas in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become bubbly. This results in a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a substitute. You can also use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas pair well with a variety of beverages, such as Mexican beer, margaritas, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, yogurt, cheese) and wheat (flour tortillas), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day many years ago when my dear friend Maria invited me over for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs.

Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of creamy chicken enchiladas. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender chicken, the creamy cheese, the tangy salsa. I couldn't believe how delicious it was.

"Maria, this is incredible!" I exclaimed. "Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?"

Maria smiled and nodded. "Of course, mi amiga. I learned this recipe from my grandmother back in Mexico. It's been passed down through generations, and now I'm passing it on to you."

I was overjoyed at the thought of making this delicious dish in my own kitchen. Maria patiently walked me through each step of the recipe, from cooking the chicken to preparing the creamy sauce. She shared her tips and tricks, her secret ingredients, and her love for cooking.

After that day, creamy chicken enchiladas became a staple in my kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I made them, I would think of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of food.

Years passed, and I continued to perfect the recipe for creamy chicken enchiladas. I added my own twists and variations, experimenting with different cheeses, spices, and toppings. But no matter how many times I made them, they always brought me back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me. She had always been curious about my cooking and was eager to learn some of my favorite recipes. I knew immediately that it was time to pass on the recipe for creamy chicken enchiladas.

I invited her into my kitchen and handed her a pen and paper. "Today, I'm going to teach you how to make a dish that holds a special place in my heart," I said with a smile.

As I walked her through the recipe, I shared stories of my friendship with Maria, of the flavors and aromas that filled her kitchen that day, of the love and passion that went into every bite of those creamy chicken enchiladas.

My granddaughter listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder. She asked questions, took notes, and helped me every step of the way. Together, we cooked, laughed, and bonded over our shared love of food.

When the enchiladas were finally ready, we sat down at the table and savored each bite. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride and joy knowing that I had passed on this treasured recipe to the next generation.

As my granddaughter left that day, she hugged me tightly and thanked me for sharing the recipe for creamy chicken enchiladas. "I will cherish this memory forever, Grandma," she said with a smile.

And as I watched her drive away, I knew that the tradition would continue. The recipe for creamy chicken enchiladas would live on, bringing joy and love to my family for generations to come. And I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships, the memories, and the delicious meals that had shaped my life.