Name: Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided; 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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If there’s one dish that never fails to win over a table full of family and friends, it’s Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake. This crave-worthy casserole delivers mellow, cheesy comfort and savory spice in every gooey bite, featuring tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a blanket of melty cheese and tangy enchilada sauce. With just the right touch of zesty seasoning and a golden, bubbling top, this spin on classic enchiladas is easy to prep ahead, kid-approved, and guaranteed to disappear the minute it hits the table.

Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake is delightfully straightforward, but every ingredient has a mission—whether that’s bringing creaminess, a gentle kick of spice, or that all-important stretchy cheese factor.

Flour tortillas (8-count, 8-inch): Soft, pliable tortillas are perfect for wrapping up all that goodness and baking to tender perfection.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken for a no-fuss shortcut that packs in rich flavor and juicy texture.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 cups, divided): This mix melts beautifully and adds a creamy, ultra-cheesy finish to every bite.
Red enchilada sauce (1 can, 10 oz): The saucy backbone of the bake, providing tang, spice, and color—choose your favorite brand for the perfect flavor balance.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the filling irresistible creaminess and a hint of tang that balances the spices.
Diced onions (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle bite and a layer of savory depth to the filling.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): A little goes a long way, infusing the chicken with warm, earthy Mexican flair.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For that unmistakable garlic complexity without any chopping needed.
Chili powder (1/2 tsp): This gentle kick of heat is kid-friendly but still delivers authentic flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors—taste and adjust to your liking.
Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tbsp, optional): A fresh, colorful finish for serving if your gang loves a herby pop.

How to Make Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 375°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a swipe of oil or nonstick spray. This not only prevents any sticking but also makes for super simple cleanup later on.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling

Combine the shredded chicken, one cup of the cheese, onions, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything together until you’ve got a creamy, well-seasoned mixture—your future enchiladas will thank you for this ultra-flavorful filling!

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into each tortilla. Roll them up snugly and arrange them seam side down in your prepared baking dish, creating a tidy row of flavor-packed bundles ready for their saucy makeover.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the filled tortillas, letting it seep into every nook. Top the whole dish with the remaining cup of shredded cheese for that classic cheesy crust—don’t be shy here, this is Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake after all!

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, with tempting golden edges promising melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes—you want those layers to settle just enough to slice easily. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you’re using it for a fresh, herby pop. Serve each piece warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up!

How to Serve Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake

Garnishes

A finishing flourish brings out both beauty and flavor. Try chopped fresh cilantro for brightness, sliced green onions for zip, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. If you’re in the mood for heat, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño will wake up your tastebuds.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. Even simple corn on the cob or a scoop of guacamole perfectly complements your Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake, balancing richness and adding color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing the bake into mini rolls and arrange them on a platter with bowls of salsa, crema, and lime wedges for topping. Or go buffet-style: let everyone serve themselves and add their favorite extras alongside the enchiladas, making it both fun and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake is a gift for next-day lunches! Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure all toppings go on fresh when serving.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, assemble the entire bake but hold off on baking. Wrap well with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for an effortless dinner on a busy night.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). Individual slices can also be microwaved—just pop them on a plate, cover, and zap until piping hot for a quick, cheesy fix.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas give an even more traditional flavor and hold up beautifully when baked. Warm them briefly before filling to prevent cracking.

Can I make Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake vegetarian?

Definitely—just swap the chicken for black beans, roasted veggies, or a plant-based chicken alternative. The creamy, cheesy filling will still shine with big flavor.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A Mexican blend melts perfectly, but feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack for extra kick. Using a combination delivers the signature Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake experience.

Can I assemble it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire bake up to a day in advance; just cover tightly and refrigerate. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

How can I make this spicier?

You can increase the chili powder, add a jalapeño to the filling, or choose a spicier enchilada sauce. Serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their own heat level.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake a whirl—every bubbling, golden bite is sure to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight comfort meal or a crowd-pleaser at your next family gathering, it’s pure cheesy joy that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy!

Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Filled with tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a blend of spices, these enchiladas are baked to bubbly perfection and topped with a generous amount of cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Enchiladas:

8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced onions
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheese, diced onions, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Fill the tortillas: Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
Add sauce and cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.