Best Sour Cream & Chicken Enchilada Recipe

This article details a sour cream and chicken enchilada recipe, a dish known for its creamy texture and savory flavors. The recipe balances the richness of the sour cream with the heartiness of the chicken, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips are provided to ensure success in preparing this popular dish. Nutritional information is also included, allowing for mindful meal planning. This recipe is adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any cook’s repertoire.

The preparation of this dish involves layering seasoned chicken and cheese within corn tortillas, baking until golden brown and bubbly, and finishing with a dollop of extra sour cream. The combination of flavors and textures creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting. The recipe’s adaptability allows for variations in spices, cheeses, and additional ingredients, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks. Achieving the perfect balance of flavors requires careful attention to ingredient quality and cooking techniques, as described in detail below.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious and satisfying meal for family and friends. The visual appeal of the baked enchiladas, with their golden-brown tortillas and bubbling cheese, adds to the overall culinary experience. The creamy sour cream sauce ties all the flavors together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Its relatively simple preparation process makes it accessible even to those with limited cooking experience.

Ingredients for this Recipe

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Instructions for this Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce.
5. Fill each tortilla with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture and roll up tightly.
6. Place the filled tortillas seam-down in the baking dish.
7. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
8. Top with sour cream and shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recipe Preparation Time and Servings

This sour cream and chicken enchilada recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, plus the cooking time of 20-25 minutes. The recipe yields approximately 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Understanding the preparation and cooking times, as well as the number of servings, helps in meal planning and preparation. Accurate time management ensures a smooth cooking process and a timely meal. Proper portioning ensures everyone enjoys a fair share of this flavorful dish. The provided table further clarifies these details.

Nutritional Information for this Recipe

This recipe provides a balanced meal with a good source of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the tortillas, and healthy fats from the cheese and sour cream. While not a low-calorie dish, it offers essential nutrients for energy and overall well-being. Analyzing the nutritional content of each ingredient allows for a comprehensive understanding of the dish’s nutritional profile. Individual dietary needs should always be considered when incorporating this recipe into a meal plan.

(Note: The following table is a sample nutritional approximation. Accurate nutritional information requires detailed ingredient specifications and calculation using nutritional software. The values below are estimations and should not be considered definitive.)

Tips for Cooking this Recipe

Following these tips will ensure the successful preparation of a delicious and flavorful sour cream and chicken enchilada dish. Attention to detail in each step contributes to the overall quality of the final product. Experimentation with different ingredients and cooking techniques can lead to personalized variations of this classic recipe. The following list highlights key aspects to keep in mind.

1. Use high-quality ingredients:

   The flavor of the final dish greatly depends on the quality of ingredients. Freshly shredded cheese, high-quality sour cream, and flavorful spices are recommended. Using quality ingredients elevates the taste profile and creates a more satisfying culinary experience. Opting for fresh produce whenever possible, and selecting high-quality dairy products, significantly improves the final dish. The difference in taste and overall quality is substantial.

2. Don’t overcook the chicken:

   Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, impacting the overall texture of the enchiladas. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but remains moist and tender. To achieve optimal results, ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before shredding, avoiding overcooking that might result in a dry texture. It is recommended to shred the chicken while still slightly warm for easier handling. Proper cooking techniques are essential to maintain the chickens moisture and tenderness.

3. Use a good enchilada sauce:

   A flavorful enchilada sauce is key to a delicious dish. Consider using a homemade sauce or a high-quality store-bought option. The depth of flavor is crucial to the final product; therefore, selecting a high-quality enchilada sauce is paramount. Homemade sauces allow for precise control over ingredients and flavor profiles, however, store-bought varieties offer convenience and often excellent flavor. Experiment with different brands or types of enchilada sauces to discover your preferred flavor profile.

4. Don’t overfill the tortillas:

   Overfilling the tortillas makes them difficult to roll and can lead to messy enchiladas. Use a moderate amount of filling to ensure easy handling and neat presentation. Precisely measured portions of the chicken filling per tortilla are essential for proper rolling and even cooking. Overfilling will result in difficult-to-handle tortillas and uneven baking. Moderation and careful portion control contribute significantly to the overall success of this recipe.

5. Grate your own cheese:
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   Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese results in a creamier, more meltable topping. The texture of the melted cheese on the enchiladas significantly contributes to the overall eating experience. Using freshly grated cheese ensures a smoother melt and a more pleasing texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, leading to a less desirable outcome. The process of grating cheese oneself allows for the control of cheese consistency and quality.

6. Let the enchiladas rest:

   Allowing the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the filling to set and prevents a messy presentation when serving. A short resting period facilitates easier handling and serving of the enchiladas without compromising their integrity. This step helps maintain the shape and prevents the filling from spilling out. The final product is visually more appealing and more manageable to serve and eat.

This versatile recipe allows for creative adaptations. Experimentation with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, can add unique flavor dimensions to the dish. Incorporating additional vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, can also provide a refreshing twist to the classic flavor profile. The recipe’s adaptability is one of its significant advantages.

The sour cream and chicken enchilada recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy and savory flavors. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both casual and formal gatherings, lending itself to various modifications to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. The versatility of this recipe makes it a valuable asset in any cook’s repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common questions related to this sour cream and chicken enchilada recipe, providing clear and concise answers to aid in successful recipe preparation and enjoyment. Understanding these commonly asked questions will ensure a smooth cooking process and a satisfying culinary outcome. The clarity and simplicity of these answers contribute to a more streamlined and efficient cooking process.

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

   Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken significantly reduces preparation time. Simply shred the chicken and incorporate it into the filling as directed. This substitution is a time-saving measure without compromising flavor. Using rotisserie chicken allows for a quicker and more efficient meal preparation, especially beneficial for busy schedules. The quality of the rotisserie chicken may vary depending on the brand and preparation method.

2. What kind of tortillas should I use?

   Corn tortillas are traditionally used, but you can experiment with flour tortillas for a slightly different texture. Both types will work well in this recipe. The choice of tortilla type depends on personal preference and what is readily available. Flour tortillas offer a softer texture, whereas corn tortillas offer a slightly more firm and authentic texture. Ensure tortillas are fresh or warmed slightly to prevent breakage.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead and bake them when ready. Store the assembled enchiladas, unbaked, covered in the refrigerator. The baking time may need slight adjustment due to the chilled filling. The flavor profiles may even improve with a brief rest in the refrigerator. While this can simplify meal preparation, proper storage and handling is essential to maintain food safety.

4. What if I dont have enchilada sauce?

   A simple tomato sauce can be substituted, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also create a quick sauce using canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. The availability and convenience of different types of sauces greatly influence the recipe preparation. Experimenting with homemade sauces provides an opportunity for personalized customization. The flavor and depth of the sauce significantly impact the final product.

5. Can I freeze these enchiladas?

   Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Assemble the enchiladas, bake them partially, then cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, bake from frozen until heated through. Proper freezing and thawing techniques are critical for ensuring food safety and maintaining the quality of the final product. Freezing allows for meal preparation in advance. This technique is particularly useful for meal planning and reducing time pressures.

This recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of classic comfort food. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying and memorable meal. Mastering this recipe enhances culinary skills and provides a delicious option for any occasion.

This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information for successfully preparing a delicious and flavorful sour cream and chicken enchilada dish. Careful attention to detail and the tips provided will ensure a satisfying culinary experience.