Name: Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup chopped onion; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 6 flour tortillas; 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

There are nights when all you crave is something warm, cheesy, and satisfying without having to spend hours in the kitchen. These ultimate quick and easy chicken enchiladas deliver just that. They’re creamy, melty, full of flavor, and come together in less than an hour using ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish uses shredded rotisserie chicken to keep prep time low while still packing in major flavor. The enchiladas are smothered in a zesty red enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese for that golden bubbly finish that everyone loves. You’ll be surprised how quickly these disappear from the table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Recipe

This recipe hits that magical balance between comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, these enchiladas freeze well, reheat beautifully, and can be customized with what you have on hand. It’s one of those dependable meals that everyone enjoys and keeps coming back to.

They’re also a great base for personalization. Want to make it spicy? Add jalapeños. Prefer green enchilada sauce? Go for it. They’re flexible enough to become your own signature dinner.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

While both flour and corn tortillas work, flour tortillas tend to be more pliable and less likely to break when rolling. If you’re going the gluten-free route or want a more traditional taste, opt for corn tortillas and quickly warm them in a skillet or microwave to prevent tearing. Whichever you choose, make sure they’re soft and fresh—it makes all the difference in the final bite.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

The beauty of these enchiladas lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make them delicious, comforting, and family-approved.

Shredded chicken: This is the heart of the enchiladas. Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s tender, flavorful, and already cooked.
Enchilada sauce: Use red enchilada sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Flour tortillas: Soft and easy to roll, these hold the filling snugly and bake up perfectly.
Shredded cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess to the filling and balances the spice.
Diced green chilies: These bring mild heat and lots of flavor to the mix.
Chopped onions: They give the filling a nice bite and savory depth.
Olive oil: For softening the onions and adding richness.
Fresh cilantro (optional): To garnish and brighten the flavors at the end.

How To Make the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, warm a splash of olive oil and cook the chopped onions until translucent. Stir in the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, a scoop of sour cream, and a spoonful of enchilada sauce. Mix until everything is warmed through and creamy.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh cilantro, extra sour cream, or sliced avocados if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite.

How to Serve and Store These Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are best served fresh from the oven, piping hot and loaded with melted cheese. They feed around 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size, making them perfect for family dinner or small gatherings.

If you have leftovers, they store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover the dish with foil or place enchiladas in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

You can also freeze them unbaked or baked. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen (just add about 15 minutes to the cook time).

What to Serve With Chicken Enchiladas?

Mexican Rice

A classic side that soaks up all the enchilada sauce and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Refried Beans

Creamy and hearty, refried beans are a must for any enchilada plate.

Corn Salad

Fresh and zesty, corn salad adds brightness and a bit of crunch to your meal.

Guacamole

Rich, creamy, and always a crowd favorite—especially if you’re serving tortilla chips on the side.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

A tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the enchiladas and adds texture.

Queso Dip

Serve as an appetizer or side; nobody minds a little extra cheese.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like heat, this punchy topping adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

End on a sweet note with this indulgent twist on classic desserts see Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these enchiladas, here are more cozy chicken recipes to inspire your next meal:

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a fresh and protein-packed twist.
No Peek Chicken Casserole that practically cooks itself.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta if you’re craving pasta.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for a tangy, creamy one-pan wonder.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps for a fresh and portable meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find whenever the craving hits.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go spicy or mild? Try a different cheese blend?

I always love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your favorite variation.

Explore beautifully curated dinners, comfort food, and health-boosting eats on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next delicious discovery.

Conclusion

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of layering, these ultimate quick and easy chicken enchiladas bring bold flavor to your table without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just looking for something incredibly satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes. Warm, melty, and packed with flavor—it’s comfort food made easy.