How to Make Spicy Mexican Enchiladas: A Simple Guide
Mexican food is loved all around the world for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Among the many Mexican dishes out there, enchiladas stand out as a classic favorite. These rolled tortillas are typically filled with savory ingredients and covered in a delicious sauce. If you love spicy food and want to try your hand at making enchiladas at home, you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll show you how to make spicy Mexican enchiladas step-by-step using simple ingredients and clear instructions.
Let’s get started!
What Are Enchiladas?
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish made by filling corn or flour tortillas with ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, or vegetables, rolling them up, and then covering them with a flavorful sauce. To make spicy enchiladas, the secret lies in the sauce—it’s packed with chili peppers and spices that give them their signature kick!
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients. For this simple recipe, you’ll need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken).
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works best).
- 1 cup of cooked black beans (optional).
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups of chicken broth.
- 4 tablespoons of chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon of cumin.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (optional for extra heat).
For the Tortillas:
- 8-10 corn tortillas or flour tortillas (your choice).
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sour cream.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (coriander).
- Diced avocado.
- Lime wedges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Spicy Sauce
The sauce is the star of this recipe! Here’s how to make it:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to make sure there are no lumps—this forms the base of the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Allow the mixture to simmer for a minute or two.
- Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you love extra heat, add the chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once ready, remove it from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them up slightly:
- Place the tortillas in a microwave for 30-45 seconds or gently warm them in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side. This softens them and prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Now it’s time to assemble your enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the spicy enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Take one tortilla and add a small amount of shredded chicken, cheese, and black beans (optional) into the center. Avoid overfilling to make rolling easier.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them side by side in the dish.
Step 4: Cover with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish:
- Pour the spicy sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are well coated.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top for a gooey finish.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn golden, and the sauce will bubble around the edges.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. To add a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Congratulations—you’ve just made spicy Mexican enchiladas! Pair them with rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Quick Tips
- If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the chipotle pepper in the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or extra black beans.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Mexican enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare at home. The combination of tender tortillas, savory filling, and rich sauce makes this recipe a winner every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your own kitchen!
