Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup: A Comforting and Delicious Mexican Dish

Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through making Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch, providing tips for achieving the best results and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Rich and Creamy: The cream of chicken soup adds a deliciously creamy texture to the enchiladas.
2. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels.
3. Versatile: Customize the filling and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
4. Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8-10 flour tortillas

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook and Shred Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook 2-3 chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a medium skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced green chilies, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fill the Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling down the center of the tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the baking dish.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce-covered enchiladas.

Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish the enchiladas with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sliced jalapeños (if using), and lime wedges.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Chicken and Cheese: Use high-quality chicken and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor.

2. Customize the Filling

• Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Beans: Add black beans or pinto beans to the filling for added protein and texture.

3. Prevent Soggy Enchiladas

• Tortillas: Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor. Lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Customizing Your Chicken Enchiladas

Variations:

• Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce instead of the cream sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and cream of chicken soup substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Refried Beans: Pair with refried beans for a traditional Mexican feast.
• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with avocado and lime dressing.
• Guacamole and Chips: Add guacamole and tortilla chips for a tasty appetizer.

Drinks:

• Margaritas: Enjoy with a classic margarita or a refreshing agua fresca.
• Beer: A cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo pairs well with the flavors.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water and a slice of lime.

Dessert:

• Churros: Finish the meal with crispy churros dipped in chocolate sauce.
• Flan: A creamy caramel flan is a delightful way to end the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat enchiladas in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Mexican cuisine to your table. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!