These spicy chicken enchiladas provide a beautiful balance of heat and flavor. It brings the heat and comfort. Perfect for weeknights when you want comfort with a little spicy heat. Enjoy!
Bold flavor, simple steps, and that homemade comfort as only a GoodPlate.Co meal can deliver.
🧾 Introduction
Some meals don’t just feed your body, they fill your heart with joy. The spicy chicken enchilada is an easy weeknight dinner/summer meal/meal prep, and tastes like you paid for a gourmet Mexican meal, yet is full of the kind of comfort that only home-cooked food delivers.
Now, this is a staple in my rotation — simple enough for Tuesday night, yet bold enough to serve when company drops by. Every bite hits that perfect balance of spice, heat, heart, and happiness.
🕒 Quick Facts
| Prep Time | 25 mins |
| Cook Time | 25 mins |
| Total Time | 50 mins |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy to medium |
🧂 Ingredients
- Parchment paper, foil
- 3 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large red onion
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 cup Spanish rice
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 avocados
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
- lime wedges, for garnish
- Sour cream for garnish
- 8 corn/flour tortillas
- Freshly made salsa or store-bought salsa
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives garnish (optional)
The Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. chilli powder
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 3 jalapeños, seeds removed and chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1-2 cans of tomato sauce
- 2 medium yellow/white onions, chopped
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 of flour to add thickness (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sugar to balance acidity (optional)
- Make this sauce seasoned to taste. Makes about 2 cups of sauce and is ready in about 20 minutes. To save time, use store-bought red enchilada sauce (season to taste)
The Sides
- Spanish rice
- Corn
- Black beans
- Freshly prepared salad
👩🍳 Bringing It All Together
- Open your heart to love and gratitude. Turn on your favorite music. Wash your hands, clean, rinse the chicken, then pat it dry. Wash your hands again before touching your seasoning containers.
- First, wash your tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, and limes. Chop onions, cilantro, slice avocados, limes, dice tomatoes, and jalapeños. Mince garlic, dice or shred chicken. Rinse, soak the rice in cold water. (to release the starch, fluffier) Clean cutting board, etc. (here we like to clean as we cook)
- Now, to prepare the sauce: Depending upon your taste, there are two options for making your sauce. The first option is to make it on the stove top, the second option is to prepare the sauce and cook it in the oven. This time, I’ll give you the stove-top method.
- In the skillet, add all the sauce ingredients. Optional: You can sauté your onions, garlic, and jalapeños first. Simmer your sauce, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat. Allow the sauce to cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Now, preheat the oven to 350°. Line a large casserole dish with foil as the first layer, then add parchment paper on top of the foil. Optional: You can evenly layer the rice on the bottom of the casserole dish or cook it separately.
- Take a skillet, place it on the stove top on medium heat, and add about 2 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper (season to taste). Here, you can add whatever you like-onion, jalapeños, garlic, sauce, etc. Sauté the chicken and any additional ingredients. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a bowl. Turn off the stove, clean the skillet, etc.
- Next, take a tortilla and spoon chicken down the center of each tortilla, add the cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down. After all the tortillas are filled, and from this point, you have two wonderful options. We love options! First option: You can crisp the tortillas in a skillet on the stove top, or second option: You can put them in a casserole dish. I like the first option; it gives the tortillas a bit of crispy crunch (less doughy texture).
- For crispy tortillas: Take the chicken-filled tortillas and lay them seam side down in an oiled skillet. Brown and crisp on each side of the tortillas. When done, turn off the stove, remove tortillas, and place them on a plate for now. Clean up.
- Next, get the casserole dish. Lay the tortillas in the casserole dish (on top of the rice or without the rice). Pour some sauce on top of the tortillas, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Now, you have time to clean up and/or make guacamole, rice, black beans, or corn, and a light, refreshing salad. The coolness will add a nice balance to the heat and spiciness of the spicy chicken enchiladas.
- Once the spicy chicken enchiladas are done, remove them from the oven. Let them rest/set for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.
- Finally, plate a goodplate, serve warm, and enjoy a dish that never disappoints — gourmet flavor made at home with love.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free products and double-check the labels of your tortillas, sauce, and spices. Swap chicken for shredded beef or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with your choice of sides: Spanish rice, black beans, or corn. Add a fresh, crisp salad for cool balance and a light, refreshing beverage.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or in a skillet over low heat until it smells irresistible, about 20 minutes. You’ll have time to set the table, light some candles, and don’t forget your favorite chill music.
💬 Final Bite
Spicy, chicken enchiladas that bring the heat, comfort— this recipe delivers every single time. It’s a GoodPlate.Co favorite because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. When you make it, tag @GoodPlate.Co — we’d love to see your plate!