Classic Chicken Enchiladas
These satisfying chicken enchiladas feature tender shredded chicken and a rich, smoky tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection with melted cheese.
- Total
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Style
- Easy · Mexican
Scale the recipe
Macros per serving
Verify macros · ProCalories
580kcal
Protein
45g
Carbs
40g
Fat
28g
Fibre 6g · Sugar 7g · Sodium 850mg · Batch total 2320 kcal
Ingredients
- Chicken breast fillets400 g
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Red onion, finely chopped1 medium (approx. 150g)
- Garlic cloves, minced2
- Ground cumin1 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Chopped tomatoes400 g tin
- Chicken stock100 ml
- Corn tortillas (approx. 15 cm diameter)8
- Mature Cheddar cheese, grated150 g
- Fresh coriander, chopped2 tbsp
- Soured cream, to serveOptional
- SaltTo taste
- Black pepperTo taste
Method
- 01
Poach the Chicken20 min
Place the chicken breast fillets in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Remove from the pan, allow to cool slightly, then shred using two forks. Set aside.
- 02
Prepare the Sauce Base7 min
While the chicken cooks, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or shallow casserole dish over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 03
Build the Enchilada Sauce11 min
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tinned chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it gently cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 04
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish2 min
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 20x30 cm).
- 05
Combine Filling Ingredients3 min
Pour approximately 100 ml (about a quarter) of the tomato sauce into a separate bowl and mix with the shredded chicken. This will be your filling. Keep the remaining sauce warm.
- 06
Assemble the Enchiladas8 min
Slightly warm the corn tortillas to make them more pliable (you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or quickly heat them in a dry pan). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling into the centre of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- 07
Sauce and Cheese Application2 min
Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle generously with the grated mature Cheddar cheese.
- 08
Bake to Perfection25 min
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the enchiladas are heated through. The edges should be slightly golden.
- 09
Garnish and Serve2 min
Remove from the oven, allow to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and a dollop of soured cream, if desired. Serve hot.
Pair it
Chef's tips
- To achieve extra flavour in your chicken, poach it in chicken stock instead of water. This infuses the meat from the start.
- For easier rolling and to prevent cracking, briefly warm your corn tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for 15-20 seconds before filling.
- Don't be afraid to season your chicken filling and sauce generously; a well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference in Mexican cuisine.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of dried chilli flakes or a finely diced fresh green chilli alongside the garlic in the sauce.