Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole
Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish that have become a staple in homes across the globe. These Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole take the classic recipe and elevate it with a harmonious blend of spices, tender chicken, and a creamy, tangy guacamole topping.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting meal, these enchiladas are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. With their vibrant colors, mouthwatering aroma, and delectable flavors, they’re a true crowd-pleaser that will have your guests raving.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets these Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft, tortilla shells encasing the juicy, shredded chicken and melted cheese create a satisfying, comforting experience. The addition of the cool, creamy guacamole on top provides a refreshing contrast that elevates the dish to new heights.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. With minimal hands-on time required, you can quickly assemble the enchiladas and let the oven do the rest of the work. Plus, the recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole ❓
• 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and a zesty, creamy guacamole creates the authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile that has made enchilada recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce until well combined.
• Step 3: Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Step 4: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
• Step 5: Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 6: While the enchiladas are baking, prepare the guacamole by mashing the avocado in a small bowl. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes
Compared to traditional enchilada recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 31g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 1,042mg
These Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole provide approximately 64% of your daily protein requirements and 28% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or use low-carb, high-fiber tortillas to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based or almond-based cheese, and use a dairy-free sour cream or plant-based yogurt in the guacamole.
• Added protein: Boost the protein content by adding shredded chicken or turkey, black beans, or tofu to the filling.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the chicken mixture for added nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the enchiladas with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the dish with a classic Mexican soup, such as Tortilla Soup or Pozole.
• For a casual gathering, serve the enchiladas alongside a selection of toppings, including diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and additional guacamole.
• Create a festive Mexican-inspired platter by serving the enchiladas alongside chips, salsa, and a variety of other Mexican-inspired appetizers or side dishes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not sealing the enchiladas properly: Ensure that the enchiladas are tightly rolled and placed seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Overcooking the enchiladas: Keep a close eye on the enchiladas while they’re in the oven to avoid drying out the tortillas or making the cheese too crispy.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients, such as ripe avocados and flavorful enchilada sauce, to ensure the best possible flavor.
• Skipping the guacamole: Don’t miss out on the delicious contrast of the creamy guacamole – it’s an essential component that elevates the dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the enchiladas as directed, but do not bake. Wrap the unbaked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked enchiladas to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the guacamole, stir well before serving, as the flavors may become muted during storage.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the enchiladas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas in advance. Assemble the enchiladas as directed, but do not bake them. Wrap the unbaked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the enchiladas as directed in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for shredded chicken, you can easily substitute ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork or beef for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the new protein.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, such as cashew-based or almond-based cheese. For the guacamole, use a dairy-free sour cream or plant-based yogurt instead of traditional sour cream.
Why are my enchiladas soggy?
If your enchiladas come out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons: 1) using too much enchilada sauce, 2) not rolling the tortillas tightly enough, or 3) not baking the enchiladas long enough. Be sure to use the recommended amount of sauce, roll the tortillas snugly, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I add any additional fillings or toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the enchilada filling by adding diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, black beans, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Top the baked enchiladas with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream or crema.
Conclusion
These Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, mouthwatering aroma, and delectable flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Enchiladas with Guacamole demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole.
