Looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? Look no further than Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, tangy green chiles, and a rich, creamy sauce made from condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream, all wrapped up in soft tortillas and topped with melted Cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. With its savory flavors, simple ingredients, and comforting texture, this enchilada recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers, drained
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cream of chicken soup and sour cream in a small bowl and set aside.
- Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and chili powder, and sauté until tender.
- Stir in the chicken, green chile peppers, and 2 tablespoons of the soup mixture. Cook until heated through.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the soup mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top of the tortillas, and sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 352
- Total Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 19g
This dish is incredibly versatile, with many reviewers recommending personal tweaks, such as adding more green chiles, using a different type of cheese, or incorporating additional spices like cumin. The recipe is highly customizable, and you can experiment with various flavors to suit your tastes.
Cooking Tips:
- For more spice: Add extra chili powder or mix in a hotter salsa to the soup and sour cream mixture.
- To save time: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- For a twist: Try layering the tortillas in a casserole style rather than rolling them for a quicker assembly.
- This dish can be served on its own or paired with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Make the Perfect Enchiladas
To ensure that your enchiladas turn out perfect every time, here are a few key tips:
- Warm the Tortillas: Before rolling, warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds. This softens them, making them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolled.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack as much filling as possible into each tortilla, but overfilling can cause them to split open during baking. Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla for the best results.
- Even Sauce Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the soup mixture over both the bottom of the baking dish and the top of the enchiladas. This prevents the tortillas from drying out and ensures each bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Cover While Baking: For extra gooey and moist enchiladas, cover the dish with aluminum foil during baking. This traps steam and keeps the tortillas soft. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and get bubbly.
The Origins of Enchiladas: A Mexican Classic
Enchiladas have a long history rooted in Mexican cuisine, dating back to the time of the Aztecs, who would wrap tortillas around small fish and other fillings. Over the centuries, the dish evolved, with various regions in Mexico adding their own unique spin. Traditionally, enchiladas are made with corn tortillas dipped in sauce and filled with ingredients like meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables.
While the classic enchilada is often made with a red or green chili sauce, this particular recipe takes a different approach by using a creamy sauce made from condensed cream of chicken soup. This Americanized version blends the richness of the sauce with the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired spices, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Why Chicken Enchiladas Are a Family Favorite
Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish known for their versatility and bold flavors. This particular version—Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup—combines the rich, creamy taste of the soup with tender chicken and spicy green chiles, all wrapped up in warm, soft tortillas. It’s an ideal dish for anyone looking for comfort food that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Key Features of the Recipe:
- Creamy Texture: The addition of condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates a smooth, velvety sauce that blankets the enchiladas, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Mild Spice: With the green chiles and chili powder, there’s just enough heat to give the dish a bit of a kick, without being too spicy for sensitive palates. You can always add more spice if you prefer.
- Quick to Prepare: The recipe calls for simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Ingredient Breakdown and Alternatives:
- Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for cooked, chopped chicken breast, which can easily be substituted with shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal. This saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
- Green Chiles: The canned green chiles add a mild, tangy flavor to the enchiladas. If you prefer more heat, you can use hotter varieties of chiles, or even add jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient forms the base of the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a homemade touch, you can make your own version of cream of chicken soup using a roux, chicken broth, and milk or cream.
- Flour Tortillas: These are a great choice for their soft texture, which holds the filling well without tearing. However, you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional enchilada experience.
Customizing the Recipe:
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways you can tweak it to suit your personal taste:
- Cheese: While Cheddar cheese is used in the original recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend. Adding different cheeses will change the flavor profile and provide variety.
- Sauce Variations: For a different flavor, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with enchilada sauce or add salsa to the sour cream and soup mixture. This adds a bit more acidity and spice to balance the creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless meal, swap the chicken for beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and add more vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- Healthier Version: To lighten up the recipe, you can use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions:
While the Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice adds a nice balance to the creamy enchiladas and enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans: Serve alongside your enchiladas for a protein-packed, fiber-rich accompaniment. You can top the beans with a bit of shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the enchiladas and add freshness to the meal.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Offering guacamole and salsa on the side gives your guests the option to add extra flavor and texture to their enchiladas.
Conclusion
Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup is an ideal dish for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prepping. Its combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The recipe is easy to customize with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses, allowing you to put your own spin on a classic favorite. Whether you’re new to making enchiladas or a seasoned pro, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.