How to Make Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
If you love spicy food and are craving something flavorful and comforting, spicy chicken enchiladas are the perfect dish! This Mexican-inspired recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, fiery seasonings, melty cheese, and zesty sauce—all wrapped up in delicious tortillas. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! In this article, I’ll walk you through an easy recipe for homemade spicy chicken enchiladas. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather the ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup of diced onions
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers (optional, for added crunch)
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, if you like it extra spicy!)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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For the Enchiladas:
- 6 large flour or corn tortillas
-
2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend)
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For the Spicy Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 cups of canned tomato sauce
- ½ cup of chicken broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons of chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of oregano
- Salt, to taste
Extras:
- Green onions, cilantro, or sour cream for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Enchilada Sauce
Let’s start by making the sauce—it’s the heart of the dish! Here’s how to make it:
- Heat a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
- Add the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and smell delicious.
- Taste the sauce, and if you’d like more heat, add a bit more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Once the sauce is ready, set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
Now, let’s whip up the spicy shredded chicken filling. It’s quick and easy.
- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they soften.
- Toss in the shredded chicken. Stir everything together.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the chicken absorbs all those wonderful spices.
- Cook the chicken mixture for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of your spicy enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. This will prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Take one tortilla and spoon in about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center.
- Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly, then place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas until the dish is full.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once your enchiladas are assembled:
- Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Make sure they’re fully coated for the best flavor!
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. More cheese makes it extra gooey and irresistible!
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the enchiladas are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream if you like. Serve with rice, beans, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Success
- Make It Extra Spicy: If you love spice, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken filling and/or enchilada sauce.
- Time-Saving Hack: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Customizations: Switch up the fillings by adding black beans, corn, or sautéed spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses.
Wrapping Up
Making spicy chicken enchiladas at home is much easier than you might think, and the results are so satisfying. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, sharing with friends, or enjoying when you want a comforting spicy treat. With bold flavors, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of heat, these enchiladas are guaranteed to become a favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, follow the steps, and feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. Don’t forget to share your spicy masterpiece with loved ones—they’ll thank you for it!
Enjoy your spicy chicken enchiladas!
