Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce; 8 small flour tortillas; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover a delicious and budget-friendly way to enjoy chicken enchiladas without breaking the bank. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week.

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2025-12-28T21:01:12.988Z

This Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic dish without overspending. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll have a family favorite in no time!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Affordable yet delicious ingredients
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights
Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings

      

A Family Favorite

Chicken enchiladas are a timeless classic that brings families together around the dinner table. This budget-friendly version ensures that everyone can enjoy a hearty meal without overspending. The combination of tender shredded chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

What makes these enchiladas even more appealing is their potential for customization. Whether you prefer mild or spicy flavors, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family's taste. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or black beans not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, making these enchiladas a well-rounded meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This chicken enchilada recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and have delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, then bake when you're ready to enjoy. This not only saves time but also helps you stick to your budget by reducing the temptation for takeout.

When stored properly, these enchiladas can last in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheating is a breeze—just pop them in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time. This makes them an ideal option for busy weeknights when time is tight.

Endless Topping Options

One of the best aspects of chicken enchiladas is the variety of toppings you can use to enhance their flavor. From fresh avocado slices and chopped cilantro to diced tomatoes and jalapeños, the possibilities are endless. Each topping adds a unique texture and taste, allowing everyone to personalize their plate.

Don’t forget the sides! Pair your enchiladas with a simple green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. A side of refried beans or corn can also complement the dish nicely, making it a delightful feast for your family or guests.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make these tasty enchiladas:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
8 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start making your enchiladas!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your enchiladas:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture and cheese in each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve with sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your homemade chicken enchiladas!

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your shredded chicken is well-seasoned before mixing it with the onions and spices. This will enhance the flavor of your enchiladas significantly. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time on preparation.

When rolling the tortillas, be gentle to prevent tearing. If you find them difficult to roll, consider warming them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to handle, ensuring your enchiladas come out looking great.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftover enchiladas, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. If you plan to freeze them, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the enchiladas, cover them with sauce and cheese, and then wrap them well for the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen enchiladas, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. This ensures that your meal retains its delicious taste and texture, making it just as enjoyable as the first time around.

Nutritional Information

These chicken enchiladas are not only delicious but also provide a balanced meal option. With protein from the chicken and dairy, carbohydrates from the tortillas, and plenty of vitamins from any added vegetables, this dish can be a nutritious choice for your family. Adjusting the cheese and sauce quantities can also help control the calorie count.

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese. Additionally, loading up on veggies is a great way to increase the fiber content of your meal, making it more filling without adding excess calories.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.

→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?

You can use salsa or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer.

→ Are these enchiladas gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.