Chicken Enchiritos

Chicken Enchiritos combine the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with a quick and easy preparation method. This dish features a hearty mix of diced chicken and refried beans, all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas, then smothered in savory enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Baked to perfection, these enchiritos are a delightful twist on classic enchiladas, making them an ideal choice for a family dinner or a casual gathering.

Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Comfort Food Appeal: Enchiladas are classic comfort food, and this recipe offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures with the chicken, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce.

Customization: The recipe allows for customization based on personal preferences. Whether it’s using black refried beans, adjusting the cheese blend, or adding extra toppings like diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro, individuals can tailor the dish to their liking.

Family-Friendly: Enchiritos are likely to be a hit with families because they’re kid-friendly while still being flavorful for adults. Plus, they’re easy to serve and eat, which is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Visual Appeal: The finished dish is visually appealing, with the melted cheese on top and the enchilada sauce drizzled over the rolls, making it enticing and appetizing.

Versatility: While the recipe specifies chicken, it could easily be adapted to include other proteins such as beef or beans for a vegetarian option, adding to its versatility and appeal to a wider audience.

What You Need To Make Chicken Enchirito

Tender diced chicken: approximately 1 cup, forms the savory heart of these Enchiritos, delivering a satisfying protein boost.

A can of refried beans: whether traditional or black, adds creamy texture and robust flavor to each bite, creating a comforting base.

Mexican Blend cheese, cheddar, or Monterrey Jack: provide a melty, gooey topping that enhances the richness of the dish.”

Enchilada Sauce: sourced from a can, infuses the Enchiritos with authentic Mexican flavors, tying everything together with its tangy zest.”

Small flour tortillas: serve as the perfect vessel for wrapping up the flavorful chicken and bean mixture, ensuring every bite is filled with deliciousness.”

How to make Chicken Enchiritos

Ingredients:

Approximately 1 cup cooked chicken, diced *

1 can refried beans (could be black refries too, per your preference)

Approximately 2 cups shredded Mexican Blend cheese or just cheddar or Monterrey Jack

1 can Enchilada Sauce

Small flour tortillas

Instructions:

Step 1:

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.

Apply non-stick cooking spray to a 9 X 11 glass baking dish, like Pyrex, bottom and sides.

Mix the diced chicken and refried beans together in a bowl.

Step 2:

Place a tortilla on a cutting board and place a large spoonful of the chicken and beans mixture lengthwise, toward one end of the tortilla.

Note: this is not the typical enchilada method which has one heating the sauce in a skillet and dipping the corn tortilla in on both sides before filling.

Step 3:

Sprinkle a little cheese over the mixture.

Roll the tortilla starting at the chicken/beans/cheese end and place it seam side down in the pan.

Step 4:

Continue filling and rolling the tortillas, placing them right next to each other in the pan.

It’s okay to squish them in a little bit.

And you may have to put a couple going the other direction depending on the size of your tortillas.

Step 5:

When the pan is filled, slowly drizzle the can of Enchilada sauce over the rolls, trying to cover them completely.

If they didn’t get covered evenly, chances are, there’s some pooled between the rolls.

Spoon that out and drizzle it over any bare parts.

Step 6:

Sprinkle cheese over the whole thing.

Cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7:

Bake with foil on for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and rotate the pan, baking for another 20 minutes.

The cheese on top should be melted and the Enchiritos should be heated through.

Step 8:

Serve them with sour cream and avocado.

Do it up even more with diced tomatoes and red onion and cilantro.

Notes:

Preparation: Ensure the cooked chicken is diced into small, bite-sized pieces for easy filling.

Bean Options: The recipe offers flexibility with refried beans, allowing for traditional or black refries according to personal preference. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Cheese Choice: While Mexican Blend cheese is recommended, feel free to use cheddar or Monterrey Jack for a variation in flavor or texture.

Enchilada Sauce: Opt for a quality enchilada sauce for authentic taste, but feel free to adjust the quantity based on personal preference for sauciness.

Assembly: Rolling the tortillas tightly ensures that the filling stays intact during baking. Don’t overfill to prevent spillage.

Pan Size: Use a 9×11 glass baking dish for optimal space to fit the enchiritos comfortably, ensuring they cook evenly.

Drizzling Sauce: Evenly distribute the enchilada sauce over the enchiritos to ensure each roll is coated, spooning out any excess for even coverage.

Baking Instructions: Covering the dish with foil initially helps to trap moisture and prevent the cheese from burning. Rotating the pan halfway through baking ensures even cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dish with toppings like sour cream, avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for added freshness and flavor. Customize toppings based on personal preference.

Presentation: Garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 Enchirito

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use black refried beans instead of regular refried beans?

Absolutely! You can use black refried beans or any other bean variety based on your preference.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While the recipe calls for small flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer.

The texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Do I have to use a Mexican Blend cheese, or can I choose a specific type like cheddar or Monterrey Jack?

Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination. Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or any Mexican Blend works well.

Can I prepare the Enchiritos ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the Enchiritos ahead of time, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate.

Bake when ready, adjusting the baking time as needed.

What are some recommended toppings to serve with Chicken Enchiritos?

Common toppings include sour cream, avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

Customize based on your preferences.

Can I freeze Chicken Enchiritos for later?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked enchiladas.

Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Bake from frozen, adding a bit more time.

Is it necessary to rotate the pan during baking?

Rotating the pan ensures even baking.

It’s a good practice, but if your oven has even heat distribution, you can skip this step.

Can I add extra ingredients to the chicken and bean mixture?

Absolutely! Customize the filling with ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn for added flavor and texture.

What size should the flour tortillas be for this recipe?

Use small or medium-sized flour tortillas for best results.

Adjust the filling quantity based on tortilla size.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of a canned one?

Certainly! Homemade enchilada sauce can add a fresh touch.

Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sauciness.