Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, one dish that has become a favorite among many is Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas. These flavorful enchiladas are packed with tender chicken and a rich ancho chili sauce that adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to every bite. If you’re a fan of spicy and bold flavors, then this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Toast the dried ancho chilies for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
4. In a blender, combine the toasted ancho chilies, chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Add the ancho chili sauce to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Warm the flour tortillas in the oven or on a stovetop griddle until pliable.
7. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
8. Pour any remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
9. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
How to Prepare Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Preparing Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas is easier than you might think. Start by cooking the chicken and shredding it into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, sauté onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Next, toast the dried ancho chilies to enhance their flavor and blend them with chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful ancho chili sauce.
Add the ancho chili sauce to the skillet with the onions and garlic, and stir in the shredded chicken. Heat the mixture until it is warmed through.
Warm the flour tortillas until they are pliable. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour any remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle them with shredded cheese.
Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually around 20-25 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Preparation Time:
Preparing Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas takes approximately 15 minutes for the sauce and filling, and an additional 25 minutes for baking. In total, expect around 40 minutes of preparation time before you can enjoy this delicious dish.
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 8 enchiladas, making it ideal for serving a family or a group of friends. Each person can enjoy one or two enchiladas, depending on their appetite.
Nutrition Facts:
While Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas are packed with flavor, they are also relatively nutritious. A typical serving of one enchilada contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
Tips for Making Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas:
- If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of dried ancho chilies or remove the seeds before blending them.
- For added heat, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top of the enchiladas before baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Monterey Jack or pepper jack add an extra kick, while queso fresco provides a mild and creamy flavor.
- Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ancho Chili Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that will impress your family and friends. The combination of tender chicken, smoky ancho chili sauce, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the bold flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home!
