Best Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

A well-executed chicken red enchilada recipe delivers a satisfying blend of savory chicken, spicy red sauce, and melty cheese, all nestled within warm tortillas. This recipe offers a delicious and adaptable main course perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The vibrant red sauce adds a depth of flavor that complements the tender chicken, while the cheese provides a comforting richness. Mastering this recipe unlocks a versatile culinary skill, opening doors to creative variations and customizations. The steps involved are straightforward, making this a manageable dish even for novice cooks. The end result is a dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

This chicken red enchilada recipe showcases the classic combination of ingredients found in many Mexican-inspired dishes. The recipe’s foundation rests on the balance of flavors and textures: the richness of the chicken, the heat of the chili, the tang of the tomatoes, and the creaminess of the cheese. Careful preparation of each component ensures a harmonious final product. Understanding the recipe’s structure helps in mastering the cooking process, leading to consistent results. Furthermore, experimenting with different types of chilis or cheeses can lead to personalized versions of the dish, allowing for culinary exploration. This recipe provides a foundation upon which one can build more advanced techniques and variations.

The recipe’s adaptability also lies in its versatility: leftover chicken can be easily incorporated, and various cheeses can be substituted based on personal preference and availability. Moreover, the recipe can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate different group sizes, demonstrating its practicality for various dining scenarios.

Ingredients for a Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions for a Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

1. Cook chicken: Boil or bake chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred chicken.
2. Prepare sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Saut onion and garlic until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Assemble enchiladas: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and roll up. Place seam-down in the baking dish.
4. Bake: Pour sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Estimated Time and Servings for this Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The cooking process, from preparing the ingredients to baking the finished product, is relatively straightforward. Accurate time management and careful attention to detail are essential for achieving optimal results. The recipe’s yield is suitable for various occasions, allowing for flexibility in adjusting portions based on the number of diners. The table below details the estimated time commitment and the number of servings this recipe yields.

Nutritional Information for this Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

This chicken enchilada recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile, featuring lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and essential nutrients from the cheese and spices. The nutritional content varies depending on specific ingredients used. Careful consideration of portion sizes is recommended to maintain a balanced diet. Accurate calculation of macro and micronutrients requires specialized nutritional analysis software and precise ingredient measurements. The following provides an estimated overview.

Please note: The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For precise nutritional data, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used in your recipe.

Tips for Cooking a Perfect Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

Achieving optimal results with this recipe relies on careful preparation and attention to detail. The following tips will ensure a flavorful and visually appealing dish. Practicing these techniques will enhance culinary skills and lead to consistently delicious outcomes. Remember that variations in ingredient quality and cooking equipment can affect cooking times and results.

1. Use high-quality ingredients:

   Fresh, flavorful ingredients significantly impact the final taste. Opt for ripe tomatoes, and freshly ground spices for a more vibrant flavor profile. Using good quality cheese is also vital for the dish’s richness and texture.

2. Don’t overcook the chicken:

   Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still moist and tender. Shredding the chicken after it’s cooked helps maintain its moisture.

3. Simmer the sauce for rich flavor:

   Allowing the sauce to simmer for an adequate amount of time deepens the flavors and allows the spices to meld together. A longer simmer creates a more complex flavor profile.

4. Warm the tortillas:

   Warming the tortillas before filling and rolling prevents them from cracking or breaking during the baking process. You can warm them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.

5. Don’t overfill the tortillas:
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   Overfilled tortillas are difficult to roll and may burst during baking. Use a moderate amount of filling to ensure easy handling and prevent spills.

6. Bake until bubbly and golden brown:

   Proper baking ensures the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on the enchiladas towards the end of the baking time, adjusting the time as needed to achieve desired results.

This chicken enchilada recipe is not merely a dish but a culinary experience. The careful balance of flavors and textures creates a satisfying culinary journey. Mastering this recipe opens the door to creative exploration and personalized adaptations, allowing for culinary growth and self-expression.

The potential for variations is vast. Different types of chilies can be added to adjust the level of heat. Different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables can be incorporated to tailor the dish to personal preferences. This recipe provides a flexible framework for culinary experimentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Chicken Red Enchilada Recipe

Preparing this dish successfully involves understanding the cooking process and addressing potential challenges. The following frequently asked questions provide answers to common concerns and uncertainties, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable culinary experience. These answers offer practical solutions and encourage confident execution.

1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

   Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a time-saving option. Make sure the chicken is shredded and well-drained before adding it to the tortillas. This is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a few hours ahead of time. Cover the assembled baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time due to the chilled filling and sauce.

3. What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

   Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses would work well. The cheese choice influences the overall flavor and texture, allowing for personalized variations.

4. How can I make this spicier?

   Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add other chili peppers like jalapeos or serranos for extra heat. You could also add a pinch of ancho chili powder for a more complex smoky heat.

5. What should I do if the tortillas break?

   If a tortilla breaks during rolling, dont worry! Just carefully place the pieces into the baking dish. The sauce will help to bind them together during baking. It won’t drastically affect the final product.

This chicken enchilada recipe, while straightforward, offers a path to culinary mastery. The satisfaction of creating a delicious and comforting dish from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience. The recipes adaptability allows for personal expression and exploration, moving beyond simple recipe following to creative culinary expression.

The rewards extend beyond the delicious meal itself; the process enhances culinary skills and promotes confidence in the kitchen. Through practice and experimentation, this recipe can become a staple, a testament to culinary achievement.

In conclusion, this detailed guide aims to equip cooks of all levels to successfully prepare and enjoy a memorable chicken red enchilada experience.