Easy Baked Enchiladas

Transform shredded leftover chicken, pork or beef into these delicious Easy Baked Enchiladas the whole family will love!

One of our tried and true family favorite recipes, Easy Baked Enchiladas is in regular rotation at our house. We often make this with shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, but it is also delicious when made with leftover pulled pork or shredded beef.

The combination of the Mexican flavors, tender meat, and tortillas baked with enchilada sauce and melty cheese makes it really hearty and satisfying. The leftovers, if there are any, are even better the next day!

The best meat for Easy Baked Enchiladas

This recipe is great with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even one of those grocery store rotisserie chickens (you just have to break it down!). It is equally good with any of the choices.

To save time and money, we often freeze leftover pulled pork, shredded beef or rotisserie chicken in 2-3 cup portions and use them for this recipe. Another option is to buy those big packs of bone in chicken breasts and cook and shred them. Having packs of frozen cooked meat available in your freezer is a a huge timesaver for busy weeknight meals!

What you’ll need to make Easy Baked Enchiladas

• cream of chicken soup
• sour cream
• chili powder
• butter
• small onion
• shredded chicken, pork or beef
• diced green chilies
• taco seasoning
• green onions
• water
• lime juice
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• flour tortillas
• shredded cheddar cheese
• enchilada sauce
• sliced black olives

How to Make Easy Baked Enchiladas

These are not authentic Mexican enchiladas but the finished product sure tastes like they are! A combination of sour cream, chili powder and cream of chicken soup make up the creamy base of the enchiladas with an additional cup mixed into the filling for a creamier texture.

This is a hearty recipe, meaning it makes enough for dinner with usually some leftovers. The leftovers taste even better the next day! This recipe can be made ahead of time and baked the same day or frozen to be baked another day. Delicious either way.

In a medium saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream and chili powder to create the sour cream base. Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Heat the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until onion is softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, half of the chopped green onions and water. Bring to a bubble and cook until the liquid has been absorbed almost completely.

Stir in lime juice, onion powder and garlic powder and remove from heat.

Add 1 cup of the sour cream base into the skillet and stir until well combined.

If cooking right away, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. See notes on recipe card for how to freeze for later.

Spread remaining sour cream mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

Spoon 2-3 large spoonfuls of the filling into each tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top and then roll the tortillas, placing them seam side down in the baking pan. Continue filling tortillas until all of the filling has been used up.

If necessary, slide the rolled enchiladas over to one side of the baking pan so that they all fit.

Pour or spoon the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and then spread the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.

Sprinkle with the remaining chopped green onions and the sliced olives.

• If freezing for later, at this point you can cover in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then bake as directed below.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes until filling is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy!

OTHER SOUTHWEST/MEXICAN RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Mexican Elote Corn Pasta Salad – Bursting with vibrant flavors of lime, cilantro and Cotija cheese! A perfect lighter fare potluck dish.

Simple Homemade Guacamole – Quick, easy and delicious. Bring the authentic flavors of Mexico right into your home kitchen!

Pulled Pork Mexican Mac & Cheese – a super easy and delicious comfort food meal that everyone loves!

Oven Baked Taco Casserole – Baked to perfection and then topped with fresh veggies and all the toppings you want, it’s a tidy taco on a plate!

Mexican Grilled Chicken Street Tacos – Marinate in the morning, add some tortillas, lime wedges, cabbage and shredded cheese and you have dinner in no time at all!