Description
Creamy Mexican chicken enchiladas bring zesty southwestern comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering blend you’ll crave with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) thin sliced, skinless + boneless chicken breast (about 6 breasts)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Create a seasoning blend in a small bowl. Position chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, lightly coat with olive oil, and thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture onto both sides of each breast.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Simultaneously, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually stream milk into the butter-flour base, whisking continuously to maintain a silky consistency. Fold in shredded cheese, stirring until fully integrated and velvety.
- Enhance the sauce with paprika and cayenne, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Plate the perfectly roasted chicken over your preferred grain, generously cascade the rich cheese sauce on top, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and quick preparation.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick and create a perfect golden crust.
- Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg