Easy Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

This article details a simple yet satisfying rotisserie chicken enchiladas recipe, a dish that balances convenience with delicious flavor. The recipe utilizes pre-cooked chicken for a significant time-saving advantage, allowing for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe’s versatility makes it adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences, while its rich taste profile provides a satisfying culinary experience. The straightforward instructions make it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, and the recipe’s inherent adaptability offers potential for creative exploration and customization.

The core of this recipe lies in its effective use of readily available rotisserie chicken, eliminating the need for time-consuming chicken preparation. This approach streamlines the cooking process significantly, focusing on the assembly and baking of the enchiladas. The resulting dish offers a balance of textures and flavors, from the soft corn tortillas to the savory chicken filling and the rich enchilada sauce. The method is designed for simplicity and efficiency, delivering a flavorful meal without undue complexity. The final product is a comforting and flavorful dish suitable for a range of occasions.

The key to success with this recipe lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the precise layering of the components to ensure optimal cooking and texture. Even distribution of the filling and sauce is crucial for a consistent and pleasing end result.

Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas

Instructions for this Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, enchilada sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Fill each corn tortilla with approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture.
5. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour any remaining chicken mixture over the enchiladas.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
8. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Timing and Yield for Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe provides an efficient approach to creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The preparation time is minimized due to the use of pre-cooked chicken, allowing for a quicker assembly process. The baking time is relatively short, ensuring a timely meal without compromising on taste or quality. Understanding the timing and yield helps in planning and preparation, making this a practical and convenient recipe for any occasion.

Nutritional Information for Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile, combining the protein from the chicken with carbohydrates from the tortillas and healthy fats from the cheese. The addition of vegetables in the diced tomatoes and green chilies enhances the nutritional value. The moderate level of sodium is a common feature in many comfort food dishes and should be considered in the context of overall dietary intake. While not a low-calorie dish, the satisfying nature of the meal may contribute to reduced overall caloric intake by promoting satiety.

Tips for Cooking Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

Achieving optimal results with this recipe involves several key considerations. Proper ingredient preparation, careful assembly, and appropriate baking techniques all contribute to a superior final product. Paying attention to detail during each stage enhances the overall quality and taste of the dish.

1. Shred the chicken evenly:

   Ensure consistent shredding of the rotisserie chicken to guarantee even distribution of the protein throughout the enchiladas. This prevents some enchiladas from having more chicken than others and promotes a uniform texture and flavor profile.

2. Don’t overfill the tortillas:

   Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent them from bursting during baking. Maintain a manageable filling amount to ensure easy rolling and prevent leakage. Overfilled tortillas can also lead to uneven cooking and a less visually appealing dish.

3. Use a good quality enchilada sauce:

   Selecting a flavorful and high-quality enchilada sauce significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish. Experiment with different brands or varieties to find your preferred flavor profile. A well-chosen sauce enhances the dish’s complexity and depth.

4. Cover the baking dish:

   Covering the baking dish during the first half of the baking time helps to maintain moisture and prevents the enchiladas from drying out. Removing the cover during the final portion allows for browning and a crispier exterior.

5. 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. The resting period also helps the flavors meld and further enhance the overall taste of the dish.

6. Garnish creatively:
   Related RecipeChicken Broccoli Casserole: A Classic Recipe for Comforting Goodness

   Enhance the visual appeal and add a final touch of flavor by garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. These additions elevate the dish’s presentation and offer textural variety.

This recipe’s adaptability allows for various ingredient substitutions based on personal preference and dietary restrictions. The straightforward instructions combined with readily available ingredients make it a practical choice for home cooks. Its versatility caters to a broad range of tastes and culinary experiences.

The convenience offered by using rotisserie chicken allows for a quick and easy meal preparation without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. This streamlined approach makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when time is of the essence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

This section addresses common questions regarding the preparation and execution of this recipe, aiming to provide clear and concise answers to facilitate successful preparation. The answers offer further clarification on aspects that may require more detail or explanation.

1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

   Yes, absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before incorporating it into the filling. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but equally delicious.

2. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

   Cheddar cheese is a classic choice and works exceptionally well, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. The choice depends on your personal preference for flavor and texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. Simply increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes when ready to bake. This feature makes it an excellent option for meal prepping.

4. How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking?

   To prevent breakage, gently warm the tortillas before filling them. You can do this by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds, or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and less prone to tearing.

5. What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?

   While cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, it’s not strictly essential. You can omit it entirely, or substitute with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a similar effect. The result might be slightly less creamy, but still delicious.

This recipe offers a balance between convenience and flavor, making it a versatile option for various culinary situations. Its adaptability allows for customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

The ease of preparation, combined with its flavorful outcome, makes this rotisserie chicken enchilada recipe a valuable addition to any cook’s repertoire. It’s a recipe that’s easily mastered and consistently delivers a satisfying and delicious meal.

In conclusion, this recipe provides a delicious and efficient method for preparing enchiladas. Its convenience and adaptability make it a perfect choice for various occasions and skill levels.