Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This easy chicken enchiladas recipe is simple to prepare, yields super flavorful results, and leans on a homemade easy enchilada sauce (or store-bought) for delicious results every time. Can be ready in under 45 minutes!

About this Recipe

I love how simple and versatile this easy chicken enchiladas recipe is – everything bakes together in one pan and is ready in under 45 minutes!

This is one of my absolute favorite uses for Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken, however, it’s such a versatile recipe, it will work with almost any variety of fillings & toppings, including my go-to, ultra simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole and Fresh Tomato Salsa! 

For example, you can mix things up for this recipe by using leftover store bought rotisserie chicken, cooked ground beef, dairy-free cheese, or even a totally plant-based vegetarian filling.

To get you inspired, I’ve added some simple ingredient swaps and my favorite variations for you below.

Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to let yourself to go wild with the toppings (they make this dish feel extra special and take the flavors over the top!).

Origin Note: Enchiladas originated in Mexico, and likely date back to Aztec times (source). While not authentic, this recipe has simplified the method and relies on available ingredients. For an authentic Mexican enchilada recipe, I highly recommend this enchilada recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen.

Process & Tips

This quick method for making chicken enchiladas couldn’t be simpler – everything bakes together in one pan, so clean up is a total breeze.

To make your filling, combine your already-cooked shredded chicken with some enchilada sauce and cheese.

Then just assemble your enchiladas by adding a little of your filling to a warm, pliable tortilla and rolling them up.

Once you’ve placed them all in your casserole dish, just pour over your sauce, top with cheese and bake it (covered) in your oven.

Finally, bake it for a few minutes uncovered so the cheese is bubbling, golden and delicious.

Before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to pile high with all your favorite toppings!

Tip: I love using my Easy Red Enchilada Sauce for this recipe, but you can use store bought red enchilada sauce as well. If you want this recipe to be gluten-free, be sure to use the gluten-free variation, or look for a store bought sauce that’s specifically labeled gluten-free!

How to Make Them Extra Cheesy or Dairy-Free

We’re not personally fans of too much cheese in enchiladas, so you’ll notice I used a light hand with the cheese in this recipe.

But if you and your family love cheese, feel free to double the amount called for to make extra cheesy enchiladas.

And for a dairy-free chicken enchiladas recipe, simply substitute your favorite dairy-free cheese in this recipe in place of traditional cheese.

What to Serve with Enchiladas

Since these easy chicken enchiladas are already packed with protein, they make a great meal all on their own piled high with your favorite toppings – think sliced avocado, salsa, sliced jalapeno, sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole, or hot sauce.

And they’re very versatile enough to pair with a simple side salads or vegetable sides.

Here’s a few more of our favorite recipes to serve with enchiladas:

4-Ingredient Guacamole

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Black Bean Salad with Corn

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette tossed with chopped Romaine lettuce.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Variations

Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap in 2 cups sautéed veggies of choice, such as onion, zucchini, and kale along with 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans for the cooked chicken.

Beef Enchiladas: Use 1 pound cooked ground beef in place of the chicken.

Dairy-free: For a dairy-free, gluten-free enchiladas recipe – substitute dairy-free cheese.

Ingredients & Modifications

Enchilada sauce: I used 1 batch of my easy homemade red enchilada sauce but you could also use a 15-ounce can of store bought enchilada sauce. Choose one that’s gluten-free if that’s important to you.

Shredded chicken: I used 4 cups of shredded chicken from my favorite slow cooker enchilada chicken recipe but you could also use a rotisserie chicken from the store for quick & easy prep.

Shredded Mexican cheese blend: This is typically a blend of four cheeses – including Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla and Asadero cheeses. So it’s a great shortcut ingredient. You could also use just all of one type of cheese that you like, for instance all Monterey Jack cheese.

Corn tortillas: My family loves using corn tortillas for our enchiladas, but you could use cooked flour tortillas if you prefer. 

Tips for Freezing & Storing

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and frozen! 

To cook from frozen, simply add an additional 15 minutes to the cooking time.

Otherwise, leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container – making this a great dinner to prep ahead for an easy weeknight meal!

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