Name: Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached); 8 small flour tortillas; 1 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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If you’re longing for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavor, Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken wrapped inside warm tortillas, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and bubbling with melted cheese—the best part is how effortless it is! This recipe strikes that perfect balance between comforting and impressive, and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without it. Whether you’re spicing up weeknight dinners or treating your friends to a fun Mexican-inspired feast, these enchiladas deliver big time on flavor, comfort, and cheesy goodness.

Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce is how every ingredient counts, adding to the irresistible flavor and luscious texture. Each item works its magic, whether it’s for creaminess, smokiness, or that unforgettable gooey top.

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this especially quick, or you can poach and shred your own for customizable seasoning.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient that gives the sauce a velvety richness and subtle tang—don’t skip it!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty comfort and that familiar orange color on top.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy touch that balances the cheddar.
Enchilada sauce (10 oz can): Whether you pick red or green, this brings bold, craveable flavor and beautiful color.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce smooth and adds a boost of savory goodness.
Butter: Just a bit creates a classic roux as the base for your cheesy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic depth without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Onion powder: Brings classic enchilada flavor and rounds out the spice blend.
Cumin: For that earthy, smoky warmth that screams enchiladas!
Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
Flour tortillas (8 small): Soft and sturdy enough to roll up all that goodness snugly.
Chopped fresh cilantro: The vibrant, herbal finish that makes your enchiladas restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for a minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking—this keeps lumps at bay! Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Let the mixture gently bubble for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and thickened. Now, for the best part: add 1/2 cup each of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until they melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of your freshly made cheesy sauce and 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce. This simple combo guarantees a luscious, super-flavorful filling that won’t dry out. If you want to add a little heat, now’s the time for a dash of hot sauce or a handful of diced jalapeños!

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Lay out your tortillas and spoon the chicken mixture evenly down the center of each. Roll them up gently but firmly and nestle them seam-side down into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t worry if they’re snug—packed enchiladas bake up beautifully!

Step 4: Add the Sauces and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce all over the filled tortillas, making sure every little crevice is coated. Drizzle the rest of your luscious cheesy sauce over the top, then sprinkle on all the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This layering is what creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust—worth every calorie!

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is perfectly melted and the sauce is bubbling merrily around the edges. Just before serving, shower with freshly chopped cilantro for a lively hit of color and flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce

Garnishes

The final flourish for Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce is all about fresh, vibrant toppings. Chopped cilantro offers a bright, herbal note, and you can go wild with extra goodies—a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or even a squeeze of lime will turn this dish into a true fiesta on your plate.

Side Dishes

Classic sides bring everything together! Serve your enchiladas with fluffy Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple black bean salad to soak up every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce. For something light and crisp, a zingy jicama slaw or quick tomato salsa beautifully balances out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try setting up a DIY enchilada bar: bake the Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or slice them into bite-sized pieces for party appetizers. For a playful twist, serve atop a fresh salad or nestled in a wrap for busy weeknights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (good luck!), pop cooled enchiladas into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even richer overnight. Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce are perfect for next-day lunches!

Freezing

Want Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce on demand? Assemble everything up to the baking step, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze. When the craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to make sure it’s piping hot.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave single servings—just cover to prevent drying out! A sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating makes them taste fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a traditional flavor and are gluten-free, but they tend to be more delicate, so warm them briefly to prevent cracking while rolling your Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

No worries—simply poach or roast a couple of chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time, then shred. Rotisserie chicken also works wonders for speed and flavor.

Can I add veggies to the filling?

Sure thing! Stir in sautéed peppers, corn, spinach, or black beans for a veggie-packed version of Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce. It’s a great way to use up odds and ends in the fridge.

How do I make them spicier?

Try a spicy enchilada sauce or mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the chicken filling. Pepper jack cheese is another easy swap for extra kick!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Simply scale up all ingredients and use a larger or second baking dish. Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce are a true party hit—everyone always asks for seconds!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce! This recipe is all about sharing comfort, easy prep, and knockout flavors with the people you love. Grab some tortillas, whip up that cheesy sauce, and let the enchilada magic happen in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Homemade Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Cheesy Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked to perfection, these enchiladas are a comforting classic with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Enchiladas:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
8 small flour tortillas

Cheesy Sauce:

1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, add chicken broth, sour cream, spices, and cheeses. Cook until smooth.
Prepare the Filling: Combine shredded chicken with some cheesy sauce and enchilada sauce.
Assemble: Spoon chicken mixture into tortillas, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce and cheesy sauce over tortillas, top with cheese, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro before serving.