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Enchiladas

Enchiladas - Easy Meals To Cook

When it comes to hearty comfort food, enchiladas have a special place in my heart. Pair them with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh, zesty salad, and you have a meal that’s not just delicious, but also a sure way to impress guests or enjoy with family. The rich flavors and warm spices enveloping tender tortillas create a comforting experience that delights the senses. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 15 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 small white onion, finely diced
  • 8 soft flour tortillas large size
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 can mild green chiles, diced with juices 4 ounces
  • 1 batch of homemade or store-bought red enchilada sauce
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped red onions, or crumbled cotija cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies
  1. First, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the bite-sized chicken cubes. Season with ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, roughly 6-8 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Chiles
  1. Once your chicken is cooked, stir in the drained black beans and the mild green chiles along with their juices. This addition packs in extra flavor and protein. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to meld together beautifully. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
  1. Take one tortilla and place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle some of the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process for all tortillas.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Bake
  1. Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Don’t skimp—this is where the flavor comes from! Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
  1. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake the enchiladas for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final baking will give the cheese a beautiful golden color. Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortillas for the best texture. If possible, get them from a local tortillería.
  • Experiment with the sauce; homemade tastes fantastic, but canned sauces can save time during a busy day when you just want a quick meal.
  • Don’t overfill the tortillas. Too much filling makes rolling them a challenge and can lead to breakage.
  • Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition and color.
  • Let them sit for a few minutes after baking to prevent the sauce from running everywhere when you cut into them.