Easy Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas Recipe That Wows Every Time

Ina Garten’s chicken enchiladas represent a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Comfort and flavor merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises warmth in every bite.

The magic lies in perfectly seasoned shredded chicken nestled within soft tortillas and blanketed with rich, vibrant sauce.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling surface that beckons hungry diners to the table.

Each component plays a crucial role in building complexity and depth of taste.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish strikes a delicate balance between gourmet technique and home-style cooking.

Home cooks can effortlessly elevate their meal with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction: savor every delectable moment.

Why Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas Win Everyone Over

• Unpack Flavor Layers: Dive into a mouthwatering journey where smoky chipotle chiles dance with warm cumin and zesty chili powder, creating a complex flavor profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a fiesta of taste sensations.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this delightful dish in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily personalize these enchiladas by switching up proteins, adding extra toppings like sour cream or avocado, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's unique flavor preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup, as this recipe elegantly combines protein, sauce, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen stress and maximizing dining pleasure.

Everything You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

• Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible base for rolling enchiladas; corn tortillas provide authentic flavor, flour tortillas offer softer texture.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, seasoned protein that forms the main filling; use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.

• Tomato Sauce: Rich, smooth base for enchilada sauce that adds depth and color.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid and enhances overall flavor of the sauce.

• Chipotle Chiles, Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano: Blend of smoky, spicy, and earthy flavors that give authentic Mexican taste; choose fresh, high-quality spices for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall seasoning.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbal notes to the filling.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creates golden brown crust.
• Scallions, Optional Toppings: Fresh garnishes that provide color and additional flavor complexity.

• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking in the baking dish.

Simple Steps for Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Gather Flavorful Ingredients

• Corn or flour tortillas (8-10 pieces)
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Minced onion

• Chipotle chiles
• Chicken broth
• Tomato sauce
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Create Zesty Enchilada Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chipotle chiles, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors blend.

Step 3: Prepare Savory Chicken Filling

• Cilantro
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth

Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Assemble Mouthwatering Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour prepared enchilada sauce evenly over rolled tortillas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and edges become bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado (optional)

Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of homemade enchiladas!

Pro Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

• Prep Like a Pro: Assemble enchiladas days ahead by keeping sauce and cheese separate until baking time.
• Freeze with Confidence: Store chicken enchiladas in the freezer for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Storage Savvy: Refrigerate prepared enchiladas for up to 3 days, maintaining delicious taste and quality.
• Meal Prep Magic: Create a make-ahead dish that saves time and delivers restaurant-worthy results at home.

Preserving Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for enchiladas. Extract all air completely before sealing to prevent moisture and freezer burn. This method preserves flavor and texture remarkably well, keeping your meal tasting just-made for weeks.
• Portion and Wrap: Divide enchiladas into individual servings before storage. Wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap, creating a protective barrier against air and potential freezer damage. Label each package with the date to track freshness and consumption timeline.
• Strategic Refrigeration: Place enchiladas in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Store in glass or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain optimal moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Stack containers carefully to maximize space and ensure even cooling.

Ways to Change Up Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender white fish like cod for a maritime-inspired enchilada experience. The delicate seafood pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotle sauce.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and sautéed bell peppers. Add quinoa for extra protein and create a hearty plant-based version that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Green Chile Edition: Transform the recipe by using green chile enchilada sauce instead of the traditional red sauce. Incorporate roasted green chiles into the filling and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flair.
• Breakfast Brunch Remix: Create a morning version by adding scrambled eggs to the chicken filling. Serve with a side of fresh salsa and top with crumbled queso fresco for a breakfast-style enchilada that brings morning excitement to the classic dish.

A Quick Look at Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s chicken enchiladas, a masterpiece blending Mexican flavors and homestyle comfort.

Layers of tender chicken, robust sauce, and melted cheese create an irresistible experience that transports palates to southwestern kitchens.

Comfort meets sophistication in each carefully rolled tortilla, promising delectable satisfaction with every bite.

Complex spices dance harmoniously, elevating this classic dish beyond ordinary meal preparation.

Personal touches like fresh cilantro and scallion garnishes transform simple ingredients into memorable dining moments.

Ready to embark on a flavor adventure?

Break free from routine, share this recipe, spark conversations, and inspire fellow home chefs to explore delicious culinary creativity.

Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken enchiladas deliver a Mexican-inspired comfort classic brimming with savory flavors. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a delicious dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 10 ounces (280 grams) cooked shredded chicken breast, from 2 breasts of a rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken in the slow cooker

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• kosher salt
• fresh pepper to taste

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, depending on how spicy you like it
• 1–½ cups (360 milliliters) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• ¼ cup cilantro
• 8 7-inch whole wheat flour tortillas
• 1 cup part-skim shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, or cilantro, for topping
• optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, Greek yogurt, or jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary journey by meticulously gathering all essential components: enchilada sauce, succulent chicken, soft tortillas, shredded cheese, and optional garnishing elements.
2. Craft the aromatic sauce by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence. Incorporate chipotle chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), tomato sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Simultaneously prepare the chicken filling by sautéing finely diced onions and minced garlic in a separate skillet. Integrate shredded cooked chicken, fresh chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Gently cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes until flavors harmonize.
4. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightly coat a 33 x 23 centimeter (13 x 9 inch) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the enchiladas by spreading approximately 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) of chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Carefully roll the tortillas, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Lavishly pour the prepared enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and edges become slightly crispy.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions or cilantro, and serve with preferred accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

• Stash these flavor-packed enchiladas in the refrigerator for a quick three-day meal rescue.
• Pop the entire prepared dish into the freezer where it’ll happily hibernate for two months without losing its delicious charm.
• Get ahead of dinner by assembling the enchiladas two days early, keeping sauce and cheese on standby until baking time – just wrap tightly and slide into the refrigerator for future feasting.
• Revive cold leftovers with two heating strategies: oven method involves wrapping in foil and warming at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, while microwave fans can zap individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg