Super Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Recipe Key:
No ratings yet

When I’m short on time during the week but still want to get a delicious, homemade meal on the table, this easy chicken enchiladas recipe is my go-to. It’s quick to assemble, bakes in 30 minutes or less, and is packed with savory, spicy, cheesy goodness. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, these enchiladas always hit the spot—especially when topped with your favorite fixings!

Creamy chicken enchiladas on a plate with avocado and greek yogurt on top.
Jump to:

Restaurant-Worthy Chicken Enchiladas

I love a classic enchilada recipe and even experiment with fun versions like my zucchini enchilada roll-ups, too. However, this easy chicken enchiladas recipe is my go-to when I need a quick option on busy nights. 

Using store-bought ingredients and pre-cooked chicken, it comes together in minutes. Then, I can pop the dish into the oven, and let it do all the heavy lifting. Plus, I almost always have leftovers to enjoy for a few days. 

My kids love getting to choose their favorite toppings, and I love that I’m only left with two dishes to clean up! Try it for yourself, and I guarantee these chicken enchiladas will become a staple in your dinner routine. 

You will also love my chicken fajita casserole with rice and southwest quesadillas

Chicken enchiladas ingredients on a baking pan with labels.

Chicken Enchilada Ingredients and Notes

  • Cooked chicken - Use leftover cooked, pulled chicken. Or, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even easier option. 
  • Red enchilada sauce - I use Siete red enchilada sauce, but you can make your own if you have the time. 
  • Refried beans - I love the texture of Siete refried beans, but you can use regular black or pinto beans if preferred.  I recommend smashing whole beans a bit to prevent them from falling out of the enchiladas.
  • Cheese - I use a fresh Mexican blend, but any cheese will work in this recipe. Feel free to use dairy-free, too. 
  • Corn tortillas - I prefer to use corn tortillas for a subtle crunch, but flour tortillas will also work. 
  • Toppings - Technically optional but highly recommended, I love to serve my enchiladas topped with Greek yogurt, avocado slices, and cilantro for even more flavor. 

How to Make This Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions for this recipe are in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Then, mix the pulled chicken with part of the enchilada sauce, tossing well to combine. 

Step 2: Prepare the refried beans. Heat the beans according to the package directions. 

Pulled chicken in a bowl with enchilada sauce.
Refried beans cooked in a pot.

Step 3: Assemble the enchiladas. Spread ½ cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. Heat the tortillas in the microwave on each side until they’re soft and pliable. Spread refried beans over each tortilla followed by part of the chicken mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Gently roll the tortillas tightly, and arrange them in the baking sheet. Pour the remaining sauce evenly on top, and add the rest of the cheese. 

Tortilla with refried beans spread on top.
Tortilla with refried beans and pulled chicken on top.
Tortilla with beans, pulled chicken, and cheese on top.
Enchilada sauce spread into the bottom of a baking dish.
Chicken enchiladas nestled in a baking dish about to be cooked.
Chicken enchiladas in a row in a dish about to be baked.

Step 4: Bake. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted on top and the enchilada sauce is bubbly. 

Step 5: Serve. Add your toppings of choice, and enjoy warm! 

Chicken enchiladas in a baking dish with yogurt and avocados on top.
Two enchiladas on a plate with avocados on top.

Possible Variations 

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can mix and match pretty much anything you have on hand. Some of my favorite variations include: 

  • Swapping the chicken with leftover shredded turkey, ground beef, or taco meat. 
  • Adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. 
  • Using green enchilada sauce in place of red. 
  • Making vegetarian enchiladas by replacing the chicken with extra beans, cheese, or cauliflower. 
Chicken enchiladas on a plate with a few bites taken out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do leftover chicken enchiladas last? 

You can store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Can I freeze homemade enchiladas? 

Yes! Once cool, you can transfer leftover enchiladas to a freezer-safe container, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve. 

What should I serve with chicken enchiladas? 

This recipe is plenty filling enough to serve on its own. However, it’s also great with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, a grilled vegetable salad, or corn avocado salad. You can also never go wrong with a side of chips, salsa, guacamole, and a spicy margarita.

For more chicken recipes, check out my:

PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!

Recipe

Creamy chicken enchiladas on a plate with avocado and greek yogurt on top.

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Make this easy chicken enchiladas recipe with cooked chicken and pre-made sauce in under an hour for a quick, family-friendly meal!
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 208kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 (9x13 inch) Baking Dish

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chicken - pulled
  • 15 oz red enchilada sauce
  • 16 oz refried beans - pinto or black beans work
  • 1 cup shredded mexican cheese
  • 10 corn tortillas

Toppings (optional)

  • Greek yogurt
  • Avocado slices
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  • Prepare the chicken. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a bowl, mix together the pulled chicken with ⅓ cup of the enchilada sauce and toss well to combine.
    1 ½ cups cooked chicken, 15 oz red enchilada sauce
    Pulled chicken in a bowl with enchilada sauce.
  • Prepare the refried beans. Heat the beans according to package directions.
    16 oz refried beans
    Refried beans cooked in a pot.
  • Assemble the enchiladas. Spread ½ cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch dish. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds on each side to soften them*. For each tortilla, spread 2 tablespoon refried beans over the tortilla followed by 2 tablespoon of the chicken mixture, 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce, and 1 tablespoon cheese on top. Gently roll up the tortilla tightly and place in the prepared dish with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over top of the tortillas along with the rest of the cheese.
    1 cup shredded mexican cheese, 10 corn tortillas
  • Bake! Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and cook for 25 - 30 minutes until the cheese is melted on top and the enchilada sauce is bubbly.
    Chicken enchiladas in a baking dish with yogurt and avocados on top.
  • Serve. Toppings are optional but I love to garnish with a few dollops of greek yogurt, sliced avocado, and cilantro on top.
    Greek yogurt, Avocado slices, Cilantro

Notes

*if using flour tortillas heat them up for longer until they become soft and pliable.
Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 1189mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 673IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 2mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment or pin it to your Pinterest account!

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating