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 corn tortillas; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy delicious and affordable chicken enchiladas that the whole family will love.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:01:15.416Z

This Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Affordable ingredients that won't break the bank
Flavor-packed filling with a hint of spice
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

A Delicious Family Meal

Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that brings joy to dinner tables everywhere. This budget-friendly recipe ensures that you can create a hearty and satisfying meal without spending a fortune. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish that will please the entire family. The combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will appreciate.

Not only are these enchiladas filling, but they also offer a great opportunity to get the kids involved in cooking. Let them help with assembling the tortillas or choosing their favorite toppings. This hands-on approach not only makes mealtime more enjoyable but also teaches valuable cooking skills. Plus, it’s an excellent way to bond as a family while creating delicious food together.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best features of this chicken enchilada recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling based on your family's preferences. If you have leftover roasted vegetables, shredded beef, or even beans, feel free to mix and match. The use of different toppings like guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños also allows everyone to personalize their plate, making this recipe suitable for a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and freeze the extra enchiladas for a quick weeknight dinner. Simply assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a festive gathering, chicken enchiladas are a hit at any occasion. Their comforting flavors and satisfying texture make them a go-to dish for feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to ensure there’s plenty to go around, making it a hassle-free option when hosting gatherings.

Moreover, chicken enchiladas can also be served with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad, transforming them into a complete meal. Their adaptability means you can create a simple weeknight dinner or a more elaborate feast, depending on the occasion. No matter how you serve them, these enchiladas are sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Enchiladas

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

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, and half of the enchilada sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Roll it up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Bake the Enchiladas

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your homemade chicken enchiladas!

Topping Ideas

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless! Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Fresh avocado slices or guacamole offer a rich, buttery flavor that complements the enchiladas perfectly. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle on some sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce to spice things up.

You can also enhance the freshness of your dish by adding chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. These toppings not only add flavor but also bring a burst of color to your plate, making your meal visually appealing.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, although the oven will keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled uncooked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through.

Nutritional Benefits

This budget-friendly chicken enchilada recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. Pairing it with whole grain tortillas can increase fiber content, promoting healthy digestion.

Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to the filling can enhance the nutrient profile even further. These additions provide vitamins and minerals, making your meal not only delicious but also nourishing. With the right ingredients, these enchiladas can be a balanced meal option that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use shredded beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw and bake when ready to eat.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes are all excellent choices!