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Queso Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

4.9 from 132 reviews

These Queso Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken, zesty red enchilada sauce, and creamy melted Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to perfection. Great for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe balances savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors with fresh garnishes for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly and Sauce

  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish and Serving

  • Chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Boil or bake chicken until fully cooked and shred using two forks or your hands to create bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Combine filling: Add shredded chicken to the skillet, season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Prepare baking dish: Pour a small amount of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble enchiladas: Lay a flour tortilla flat, place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture in the center, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  6. Add sauce and cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle the leftover shredded cheese on top.
  7. Bake enchiladas: Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  8. Serve: Allow enchiladas to rest a few minutes, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • Customize with jalapeños for added heat or substitute chicken with beans for a vegetarian variation.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce based on preference.
  • For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking instead of removing foil for the last baking step.

Keywords: Queso Chicken Enchiladas, Mexican dinner, baked enchiladas, shredded chicken recipe, cheesy enchiladas