If you’re a fan of recipes from the American South, then this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake is a must-try. It’s a favorite comfort food that you can easily make at home. The recipe is detailed with step-by-step instructions.
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Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake: A Favorite Comfort Food
If you love a comforting Mexican-inspired dinner with bold flavors and melted cheese, this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake is sure to become your go-to recipe.
This chicken enchilada is one of America’s most popular weeknight dinner meals.
The key reason is that it’s so easy to make at home. It’s full of flavor and perfect for feeding a family. This article provides you with the step-by-step recipe, along with ingredients, helpful tips, some variations, and tips on how to store leftovers.
At the end, there are answers to related questions, explaining everything you need to know and some tips for making the perfect chicken enchilada at home.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Uses all easy pantry ingredients
- Super cheesy and rich
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customized
- Great for kids and freezer-friendly.
All Required Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup enchilada sauce, green or red
- 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked. Rotisserie is also good
- Pepper and salt to taste
Ingredients for Assembling the Enchilada:
- 9 to 10 corn tortillas or flour
- 1 to 2 cups grated cheese – for topping
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish
- Optional toppings: Sliced black olives, jalapeños, avocado, salsa
Step-by-step instructions for making chicken enchiladas:
1. Preparing the Chicken Filling
- Use a pan and heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add shredded chicken and mix thoroughly.
- Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of enchilada sauce and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Turn off the heat and add 1 cup of cheddar, 1 cup of Monterey Jack, and sour cream, stirring thoroughly.
- Continue mixing until the cream is thoroughly incorporated.
- Your filling should be creamy, thick, and deliciously delicious.
2. Warming the Tortillas
- Hold the tortillas ready by heating them in the microwave for 25 to 30 seconds.
- This will soften them and make them easier to roll without breaking.
3. Assembling the Enchilada:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture over each tortilla.
- Roll them gently, then place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Continue mixing until the entire enchilada is thoroughly filled and lined.
4. Adding the Sauce and Cheese
- Drink the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over each rolled tortilla.
- Then, sprinkle generously with grated cheese. This will cause the top of the dish to become golden, melted, and bubbly.
5. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, 190°C.
- Bake uncovered for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- When you like the golden color on top, broil for another 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Let the Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake rest for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped jalapenos, or avocado slices.
- Enjoy hot with chips, Mexican rice, and salsa, or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips:
Here are some great tips to make this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake even better:
Choosing the Right Tortillas –
Corn tortillas offer a classic texture, while flour tortillas roll easily and remain soft, making them great for beginners.
If you use rotisserie chicken –
This can save time and taste amazing, making it perfect for busy people.
Adding Extra Sauce –
A dry enchilada is a mistake. Always add enough sauce to cover all the tortillas.
Don’t Overfill –
If corn tortillas are overstuffed, they will break or open.
Blending the Cheese –
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt well and add a nice creaminess.
Some USA-friendly variation suggestions:
- For green chicken enchiladas– replace the red sauce with green enchilada sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- For spicy chicken enchiladas- add chopped jalapenos or extra chili powder. Then drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- For a low- carb version, use low-carb tortillas or thinly sliced zucchini instead of wrappers.
- For a creamy white chicken enchilada- use a creamy white sauce made with sour cream and chicken broth.
- For a loaded veggie chicken enchilada- add sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or corn.
How to store Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake:
Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days.
Freezing – Assemble unbaked, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 months.
Reheating – Heat at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Microwave – Heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Some Serving Suggestions, A USA Favorite:
Chicken Enchilada can be served with:
- Refried Beans
- Lime Crema
- Mexican Rice
- Pico de Gallo
- Refried Beans
- Tortilla Chips
- Corn Salad
FAQ
Answers to questions about Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake and how to fix mistakes:
Q. Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Corn tortillas are classic, but flour tortillas are softer, making them easier to roll. Most beginners prefer flour tortillas.
Q. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled, rotisserie, or leftover baked chicken all work great.
Q. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes! Store-bought sauce works great and saves you time.
Q. Can chicken enchiladas be gluten-free?
Yes! You can make them using corn tortillas and certified gluten-free enchilada sauce.
Q. How can I keep chicken enchiladas from getting soggy?
Warm the tortillas slightly first and don’t overdo the sauce.
Q. Can I make Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dish the day before and refrigerate it until baking time.
Q. What can I use instead of sour cream?
For a great alternative, you can use Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Southwest Chicken Enchilada Bake is comfortingly warm, delicious, and perfect for busy days, weeknights, or family gatherings. The easy recipe is explained step by step. You can make a restaurant-like dish at home and enjoy it with your family. It tastes amazing and robust, the cheese is gooey, and it’s a comforting meal.