Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Best Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

  • Author: Anabelle McLean
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Mexican
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Ina Garten’s Chicken Enchiladas take a classic Mexican-inspired dish and elevate it with fresh ingredients and homemade elements. The enchiladas consist of soft tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, topped with a homemade enchilada sauce, and baked with gooey melted cheese. This hearty dish is full of flavor and comfort, making it a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or homemade)
  • 810 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Enchilada Sauce

  • Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the spices and tomatoes: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Blend the sauce (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

  • Season the shredded chicken: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the chicken is well-coated with sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

  • Warm the tortillas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side to make them pliable.
  • Fill and roll the tortillas: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

  • Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

  • Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  • Garnish and serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and lime wedges. Serve hot.