Baking Chicken Cheese Enchiladas: How Long Should It Take?

Chicken cheese enchiladas are a Mexican dish that can be made in under an hour and are perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. The enchiladas are made with tortillas, chicken, cheese, and a red enchilada sauce. The sauce is what makes this dish so special – it's typically made from chilli powder, tomato paste, broth, and Mexican chocolate. The enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken and cheese, then topped with more sauce and cheese before being baked for around 20 minutes. This dish can be served with toppings such as sour cream, avocado, and cilantro, and sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole.

Chicken and cheese enchiladas can be made with either corn or flour tortillas

If you choose to use corn tortillas, you can make them more pliable and easier to roll by warming them in the microwave, layered between two damp paper towels, or by frying them briefly in a skillet with a little oil. Another option is to dip the corn tortillas in enchilada sauce before rolling them up. This will help to prevent them from tearing.

On the other hand, flour tortillas are larger and sturdier than corn tortillas, but they can become soggy if left in sauce for too long. To prevent this, you can bake the enchiladas without sauce and heat up the sauce separately to add on top before serving. You can also fill and roll the flour tortillas, then bake them without sauce for a shorter time at a higher temperature, so they remain firm.

The enchiladas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days

Chicken cheese enchiladas are a great dish to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to three days. This is a handy option if you're preparing a meal for guests or want to get ahead with your weekly meals.

To store your enchiladas, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container and into the fridge. They will last for up to three days like this, or if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat your enchiladas, simply take them out of the fridge or freezer and bake them in the oven. If you're baking them from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge for 24 hours first.

Chicken cheese enchiladas are a great dish to make in bulk and store, so you always have a tasty meal to hand.

The enchiladas can be frozen for up to three months

There are a few different methods for freezing enchiladas. One method is to line a glass or ceramic baking pan with aluminium foil. First, line your pan with foil, then fill it with your rolled enchiladas. When the enchiladas are completely cool, cover them with another layer of foil, creating a packet with the bottom layer. Squeeze out as much air as possible, then freeze. Once the enchiladas are frozen solid, you can lift the foil packet out of the pan and put it back in the freezer. This way, your pan is free to use again.

Another option is to use disposable aluminium pans or your regular baking pans. If using these, cover the enchiladas with plastic wrap, pressing out as much air as possible, then cover with a lid or foil. You can also freeze the enchiladas in the pan, then lift the frozen block out and wrap it in foil.

It's best to freeze enchiladas without the cheese that goes on top, as cheese tends to separate during freezing. You can also leave off the enchilada sauce, as this can affect the flavour and consistency of the dish. However, this is not essential, and you may only want to leave off the sauce if you plan to freeze the enchiladas for longer than a few weeks.

To reheat frozen enchiladas, first preheat your oven. Remove the foil and plastic wrap, then add enchilada sauce and cheese to the top of the enchiladas. Bake for a little longer than the original recipe instructs—around five minutes extra should do it. If you're using a glass or ceramic pan, put the dish into a cold oven and then turn on the heat to prevent the dish from cracking.

The enchiladas should be baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes

Baking Chicken Cheese Enchiladas:

Baking Time

Before Baking

Before baking, the enchiladas should be assembled and placed in a baking dish. The enchiladas are made by filling tortillas with a chicken and cheese mixture, rolling them up, and placing them in the dish. A layer of sauce can be spread on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking, and the enchiladas can be topped with extra sauce and cheese.

Oven Temperature

The oven should be preheated to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature to ensure the enchiladas are cooked through and the cheese is melted without burning.

After Baking

After baking, the enchiladas should be allowed to cool briefly before serving. They can be served with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, salsa, or chopped onions.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. They can also be frozen for up to three months before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

The enchiladas can be served with toppings such as sour cream, avocado, and salsa

Chicken cheese enchiladas can be served with a variety of toppings, including sour cream, avocado, and salsa. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve enchiladas with these toppings:

Preparing the Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with various fillings and toppings. When preparing chicken cheese enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken mixture and a generous amount of shredded cheese, and roll them tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Top with more enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving with Sour Cream

Sour cream is a popular topping for enchiladas and can be served on the side or dolloped directly on top. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the spiciness of the enchiladas. You can also use sour cream as a base for a sauce, such as the Sour Cream Enchilada Sauce, which includes ingredients like butter, flour, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and of course, sour cream. This sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving with Avocado

Avocado is another excellent topping for enchiladas, providing a creamy texture and a fresh flavour. Sliced or diced avocado can be added on top of the enchiladas just before serving. Avocado can also be mashed and mixed with other ingredients to make guacamole, which can be served as a side dish or topping for enchiladas. The creaminess of the avocado pairs well with the spiciness of the enchiladas and adds a boost of healthy fats and nutrients.

Serving with Salsa

Salsa is a traditional and flavourful topping for enchiladas. It adds a burst of freshness and can be mild, medium, or spicy depending on your preference. Salsa can be store-bought or homemade, and there are various types to choose from, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja. When serving enchiladas with salsa, it can be offered on the side as a dip or generously spooned over the top.

Presentation Ideas

When serving chicken cheese enchiladas with sour cream, avocado, and salsa, you can get creative with the presentation. Here are some ideas:

• Serve the enchiladas on a bed of salsa and top with a dollop of sour cream and diced avocado.
• Create a "build-your-own" enchilada bar with the enchiladas, sour cream, avocado slices, and various types of salsa on the side, allowing guests to customize their plates.
• For a colourful and flavourful presentation, layer the enchiladas with salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices, creating a tasty and visually appealing stack.
• Garnish the enchiladas with chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve them with a side of avocado slices and a bowl of salsa for dipping.

Frequently asked questions