Red Chicken Enchiladas

This is my go-to recipe for Red Chicken Enchiladas! It’ll fill your whole kitchen with mouthwatering deliciousness! And it’s easy to make too! Mexican cuisine on your dinner table the easy way!

 

 

Tender juicy chicken wrapped in soft flour tortillas? Amazing! 

Smothered in a rich tangy red enchilada sauce? Oh goodness! 

And topped with a generous amount of melted cheese? Holy comfort food! 

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these easy red enchiladas!

Feel free to tweak the recipe to your taste – add more cheese, spice it up, or keep it mild. Totally customizable!

This recipe is great for feeding a crowd! I promise everyone will leave the table satisfied.

And leftovers taste even better! I swear I make this sometimes just for the leftovers!

Plus this red enchilada recipe is freezable too! Make a double batch and freeze some for a hassle-free meal on another day.

 

 

What Ingredients are in Red Chicken Enchiladas?

The best chicken enchiladas use super simple ingredients you can find in any grocery stores!

• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling.
• Chicken: Cooked and shredded or diced for easy filling.
• Green Chiles: Mild tangy flavor for the chicken mixture.
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: Perfect cheese combo!
• Sour Cream: All the creaminess!
• Olives, Green Onions, Fresh Cilantro: Fresh is always best here!
• Red Enchilada Sauce: And this brings everything together.

Pro Tips:

• Use a damp paper towel to keep your tortillas pliable while you fill them.
• Mix your sour cream and enchilada sauce thoroughly for a consistent flavor.
• Highly recommend store-bought rotisserie chicken! It’s such a time savor!
• Try my favorite Homemade Enchilada Sauce! It doesn’t disappoint!

 

 

How to Make Red Chicken Enchiladas

Homemade red enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and a few baked tortillas! 

You are going to love how easy this cooking process is!

1. Combine your shredded rotisserie chicken filling and roll it up in the tortillas.
2. Mix sour cream with enchilada sauce and spread it over the top of the enchiladas.
3. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips:

• Don’t skimp on the sauce! It keeps the enchiladas moist.
• Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking.

 

 

Are Red Chicken Enchiladas Healthy?

Traditional enchiladas tend to be more indulgent than healthy. Isn’t that what makes them so great?

You can make them healthier though with a few simple swaps. 

Use whole wheat tortillas, lean chicken breast, and reduce the cheese amount. 

You can also add veggies like spinach or black beans for extra nutrients.

All of those swaps should be easy enough without messing with the recipe too much. 

So you’ll still get the same Mexican dish but just a little healthier.

 

 

Can You Add Sour Cream to Enchilada Sauce?

You can and SHOULD add sour cream to the enchilada sauce! 

Adding sour cream means you get a creamy, rich, and tangy flavor.

It goes perfectly with the spicy flavor of the sauce. 

And it actually helps tame down the spice too for those littles in your house who just won’t touch it!

I think it’s the perfect delicious twist on traditional red sauce.

 

 

Can You Make Red Chicken Enchiladas Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely make these easy chicken enchiladas ahead of time! 

Just assemble these enchiladas a day in advance.

Then keep them covered in the fridge. And bake them when you’re ready to eat. 

It’s a great recipe to make if you’ve got a busy week. 

Or a party! I love throwing parties, but there’s already so much to do on the day of. 

Not having food to prepare too is my secret weapon!

 

 

How to Store Leftover Red Chicken Enchiladas

Storing leftover Mexican enchiladas is easy peasy. 

Simply place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. 

I find that the flavor and texture is just as good as when I made them.

How Long Do Red Chicken Enchiladas Last in the Fridge?

Homemade enchiladas will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

This makes them a great make-ahead dish for weekly meal planning.

As always, keep it covered! That’ll keep it from absorbing weird tastes and smells from the fridge.

 

 

Can You Freeze Red Chicken Enchiladas?

Yep! These cheesy chicken enchiladas freeze super well. 

You can either freeze them baked or unbaked. 

Wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. 

They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Just don’t forget to write the name of the recipe and how to cook them on the outside.

Then you don’t have to go looking for this post when you’re trying to remember how to make them!

Also it helps to write the date down on them too. So you know when to use them by.

 

 

How to Reheat Frozen Red Chicken Enchiladas

To reheat, thaw the homemade chicken enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen unbaked. 

Then follow the recipe instructions. 

For baked enchiladas, reheat them in the oven until they are thoroughly warmed through. 

Be careful not to overbake them. You don’t want them burned or them to get dry! 

Just warm them until heated all the way through.

 

 

What to Serve with Red Chicken Enchiladas

These delicious chicken enchiladas go so well with a variety of sides. 

Try serving them with a fresh Mexican salad, a side of refried beans, or some Mexican rice. 

For a lighter option, a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad works well too. 

And don’t forget the guacamole and chips!

Here are some easy ideas to get you started:

• Mexican Black Beans Recipe
• Salsamole…Guacamole with a Twist
• Mexican Roasted Tomatoes
• Mexican Rice and Beans Recipe
• Fiesta Guacamole
• Summer Corn Salad
• Pineapple Salsa
• Peppadew Dip
• Mexican Corn Salad
• Fiesta Guacamole
• Fajita Seasoning Recipe
• Mexican Jasmine Rice
• 4 Bean Salad
• Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans

 

 

Are Red Chicken Enchiladas Gluten-Free?

As written, this recipe isn’t gluten-free because it uses flour tortillas. 

However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting with yellow corn tortillas. 

Or other types. They’ve got other gluten-free tortillas, you just have to look in the gluten free section.

You may actually have to look in the freezer section to depending on your grocery store. Sometimes they keep them there.

You’ll also want to check the labels on your enchilada sauce and other ingredients.

While they should already be gluten free, sometimes different companies use gluten. And it never hurts to double check!

 

 

Red chicken enchiladas are a delicious dinner that will become a staple in your house! 

They are perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a large gathering. 

So, the next time you crave some comforting Mexican food, remember this recipe!

 

 Originally Posted: February 16, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: August 28, 2024

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