Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas – Crispy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor
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If you love bold, smoky flavors and hearty comfort food, Smoky Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect meal to add to your rotation. This recipe combines the delicious spiciness of chipotle peppers with tender, juicy baked chicken strips, all wrapped in a soft tortilla, covered in a rich, smoky sauce, and baked to golden perfection.
Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas have roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where enchiladas are often made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor. The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “enchilar,” meaning “to season with chili.” In this version, the addition of chipotle peppers gives the enchiladas a smoky depth that’s hard to resist. Over time, this version of enchiladas, specifically with chipotle peppers, has become a popular dish in the U.S. for its easy preparation and bold flavors that suit a wide range of palates.
What sets this Smoky Chicken Enchiladas recipe apart is the careful balance of spicy, smoky, and savory elements. Chipotle sauce adds a touch of heat and rich flavor, while the chicken strips, baked until golden and tender, provide a hearty filling that pairs perfectly with the sauce and melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Chicken Enchiladas baked chicken strips:
These Smoky Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas are versatile, also known as baked chicken strips. You can serve them with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad. For a bit more indulgence, top them with sour cream, extra cheese, or fresh cilantro.
Origin & Facts about the smoky chipotle chicken Recipe:
Enchiladas have a long history, with versions of the dish dating back to the Aztecs, who would wrap food in tortillas. When Spanish colonists brought European flavors to Mexico, new varieties of enchiladas emerged, combining local ingredients with imported ones like cheese and meat. The smoky flavor of chipotle peppers, a key ingredient in this recipe, adds a uniquely Mexican flavor and has become widely popular in North American cooking.
Preserving the Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas Recipe:
To store your Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas, simply cover any leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and stored in freezer-safe bags. When reheating, bake at 350°F until heated through to preserve the crispy edges and melty cheese.
Irresistibly Smoky Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas – A Flavor-Packed Feast
Description
This Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas recipe combines bold smoky flavors with tender baked chicken strips, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in rich, smoky chipotle sauce. The enchiladas are then topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. Whether you're making them for a cozy Sunday dinner or prepping for a festive gathering, these enchiladas never fail to impress.
Smoky Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for those who love a bit of heat and rich, satisfying flavors. The chipotle peppers provide a smoky kick without being overwhelming, while the baked chicken strips are tender and juicy. The enchiladas are also versatile, allowing you to customize the heat level or add your favorite vegetables.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep work and just a short baking time, these enchiladas come together quickly, making them an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals. Pair them with your favorite Mexican sides, and you have a meal that's bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions for Baked Smoky Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas
Prepare the Chicken Strips
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
Season the Chicken
Season your chicken strips with salt, pepper, a dash of olive oil, and optional spices such as cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
Tip: You can marinate the chicken for about 20-30 minutes with a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and chipotle powder to intensify the smoky flavor.
Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure that the strips are spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Tip: Turn the chicken halfway through the baking time to achieve even browning on all sides.
Prepare the Smoky Chipotle Sauce
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Tip: Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic and ensure the flavors meld together.
Add Chipotle Peppers
Add 2-3 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of salt. Stir for about 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Tip: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your spice preference.
Simmer the Sauce
Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother sauce) and stir. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
Tip: You can add a little chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick during simmering.
Blend the Sauce (Optional)
For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until you achieve the desired consistency.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Warm the Tortillas
Warm 8-10 tortillas by wrapping them in a damp kitchen towel and microwaving for 30 seconds. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
Tip: You can also warm the tortillas on a stovetop griddle for about 15 seconds on each side.
Fill the Tortillas
Take a tortilla and place 2-3 baked chicken strips in the center. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce over the chicken.
Add a sprinkle of grated cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar) and tightly roll the tortilla into an enchilada.
Repeat this process for all tortillas, placing them seam-side down in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the Sauce
Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the dish, pour the remaining chipotle sauce evenly over the top.
Tip: Make sure the enchiladas are completely covered to avoid drying out during baking.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1-2 cups of grated cheese over the sauce-covered enchiladas. You can use a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a richer, melty topping.
Bake
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tip: For a crispy top, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Serve the Enchiladas
Garnish and Serve
Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado for added freshness and texture.
Tip: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to make the meal more filling.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Want to explore more about the versatility and nutritional benefits of chipotle peppers? Check out a guide on Health Line that delves into their smoky flavor, health advantages, and why they are a great addition to dishes like enchiladas!
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