Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 8 small flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/2 cup black beans (optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy a delicious and economical meal with these Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas. Perfect for family dinners while being easy on the wallet!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:10:08.456Z

This Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious Mexican dish without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Affordable ingredients that won't compromise on flavor
Customizable fillings to suit your taste
A hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy

      

A Flavorful Twist on Tradition

Enchiladas are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, and this budget-friendly version stays true to the authentic flavors while being economical. By using simple ingredients like shredded chicken and tortillas, you can create a meal that not only satisfies the palate but also your budget. The combination of spices and sauces elevates the dish, making it a hearty option for any night of the week.

This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy cheese melts beautifully over the warm tortillas, while the enchilada sauce infuses the chicken filling with a rich, savory taste. Each bite is a comforting experience, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Customizable for Everyone

One of the best aspects of these chicken enchiladas is their versatility. You can easily adapt the filling to accommodate different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For instance, if you have leftover roasted vegetables or a variety of beans, feel free to mix those in with the chicken. This way, you can cater to picky eaters or make a vegetarian version that everyone will love.

Moreover, you can experiment with different types of cheese or sauces to suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a milder flavor, this recipe allows for plenty of customization, ensuring that each family member gets a dish they enjoy.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

These Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas are not only delicious but also a great option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch, freeze them, and enjoy a homemade meal on busy days. Simply prepare the enchiladas as directed, then cover and freeze before baking. When you're ready to eat, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This makes it easy to have nutritious home-cooked meals on hand without the hassle of daily cooking. Plus, it's a fantastic way to save time and money, ensuring that you always have a hearty dinner waiting for you after a long day.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your enchiladas:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 small flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup black beans (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's move on to the preparation steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious enchiladas:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, diced onions, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Enchiladas

In each tortilla, add a generous amount of the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot!

Your delicious enchiladas are ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Enchiladas

To enhance the flavor of your chicken enchiladas, consider marinating your shredded chicken in lime juice and spices before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. This will add an extra layer of zest and ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.

If you want to add more depth to your enchiladas, try sautéing the onions before adding them to the filling. This simple step will bring out their sweetness and create a richer taste in the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken enchiladas with a fresh salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal. A zesty avocado and tomato salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas, balancing the meal perfectly.

Don't forget to offer toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. These additions can elevate the dish and allow everyone to personalize their plates according to their preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the tortillas and cheese.

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked enchiladas. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they are heated thoroughly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.

→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use shredded beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.