If you’re in the mood for a comforting, cheesy, saucy dinner that comes together fast and satisfies the whole family, these Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are exactly what you need. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is loaded with tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a smoky red enchilada sauce, all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a one-dish wonder that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
These enchiladas are not only a lifesaver for busy evenings but also incredibly versatile. You can make them with leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the entire dish can be assembled in advance. With each bite, you get creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right touch of spice.
What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?
Flour tortillas are the go-to for this recipe because they roll up easily without tearing and absorb the sauce beautifully. If you’re gluten-free or prefer a different texture, you can use corn tortillas—just make sure to warm them first so they’re pliable enough to roll.


Ingredients for the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Shredded Chicken – The star of the filling, this adds protein and richness. Use rotisserie or cooked, seasoned chicken breast.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully inside and on top of the enchiladas. Feel free to blend with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Flour Tortillas – Soft, pliable, and perfect for wrapping the filling without breaking.
- Red Enchilada Sauce – Adds depth, smokiness, and a hint of heat. Store-bought works great, or go homemade if you have time.
- Sour Cream – Adds tang and creaminess to balance the spice.
- Diced Tomatoes – Brings freshness and a juicy bite to the topping.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Lends a bright, herbal finish that cuts through the richness.
How To Make the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Gather all your ingredients, shred the chicken, and have your cheese and sauce ready.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with half of the cheese and a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce. Mix until evenly coated and cheesy.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Lay out each flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Add Cheese
Once all tortillas are in the pan, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure every roll is covered. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly across the top.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro before serving. Optional: Add sliced jalapeños or avocado for extra flair.
How to Serve and Store These Enchiladas
Serve these chicken enchiladas hot out of the oven with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro. They pair beautifully with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a fresh avocado salad.
To store leftovers, place the cooled enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly pan-fry your tortillas before filling or ensure the sauce isn’t too watery. Also, don’t over-sauce the bottom of the baking dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Absolutely. Just warm them beforehand so they roll easily without tearing.
What other cheeses work well?
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend are all delicious options.
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on your enchilada sauce. For more heat, add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving this cozy chicken bake, you’ll definitely want to try these other crave-worthy dinners:
- Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for bold restaurant-style flavor.
- Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
- Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce when you want cheesy comfort.
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a hearty meat-and-potatoes night.
- Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a pasta twist in soup form.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add jalapeños for heat? Go all in with extra cheese?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter. And for more daily comfort food inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes.


Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas are a family-favorite comfort food packed with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and smoky red enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknights, these enchiladas come together fast and bake to golden, cheesy perfection. They’re easy to customize and can even be prepped ahead for stress-free meals.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
6 medium flour tortillas
1 ½ cups red enchilada sauce
½ cup sour cream
½ cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with ¾ cup of cheese and 2–3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading evenly.
5. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to cut down prep time and maximize flavor.
Warm tortillas briefly before filling to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
Want extra heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy chicken enchiladas, cheesy chicken bake, red enchilada sauce
