Hey there, busy home cooks! Ever stare at that beautiful store bought rotisserie chicken and wonder, “What in the world should I make with this tonight?” You are definitely not alone. It is a common weeknight dilemma.
Well, get ready to turn that everyday bird into something truly spectacular without breaking a sweat or the bank. Today, we are diving into one of the most comforting, satisfying, and incredibly simple rotisserie chicken recipes out there: Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. It is a game changer for your dinner routine.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let us be real, life gets hectic. Between work, school, and everything else on your plate, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? That is exactly why this recipe for rotisserie chicken recipes is an absolute lifesaver. It is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor.
First off, using a precooked rotisserie chicken cuts down your prep time significantly. Seriously, you are halfway to dinner before you even start mixing. This makes it one of the best meals with rotisserie chicken easy for those crazy weeknights.
This dish is also a total crowd pleaser. Whether you are feeding picky eaters or a hungry family, these cheesy, saucy enchiladas hit all the right notes. It is comforting, hearty, and just plain delicious. Plus, it is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget.
Forget complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. This recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. It is perfect for beginners who want to whip up something impressive without feeling overwhelmed. Think of it as your secret weapon for amazing chicken dinner ideas.
And the best part? The customization. While this recipe is fantastic as is, it is also a blank canvas for your favorite additions. You can truly make it your own. It is a brilliant answer to the question of what to make with rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this amazing dish is super simple. You will find most of these items easily at your local grocery store. This list is designed to make your journey to delicious enchiladas as smooth as possible.
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 2 10 ounce cans enchilada sauce
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (burrito sized)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
With these few items, you are well on your way to creating a fantastic meal. It truly shows how easy rotisserie chicken recipes can be when you have the right components ready.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps and you will have a bubbly, cheesy batch of enchiladas in no time. This is one of those meals with rotisserie chicken easy enough for anyone to master.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Dish
First things first, let us get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it is heating up, grab a 9×13 baking dish. Give it a good spray or grease the bottom and sides. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shred That Chicken
Now for the star of the show, your rotisserie chicken. Remove all the meat from the chicken and place it into a large bowl. You will need at least 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. If you like your enchiladas extra stuffed, feel free to use a bit more.
Here is a neat trick: use a hand mixer to finely shred the chicken in under a minute. It is a total game changer for quick prep. This makes preparing rotisserie chicken recipes even faster.
Step 3: Sauce The Dish
Pour about a third of one 10 ounce can of enchilada sauce, roughly 1/2 cup, into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to move it around and coat the entire bottom. This layer prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Step 4: Mix The Filling
Into the bowl with your shredded chicken, add one full 10 ounce can of enchilada sauce. Next, toss in the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Finally, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix everything really well until all the ingredients are fully combined. This ensures every bite of your enchilada is packed with flavor. This filling is what makes these chicken dinner ideas so satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble The Enchiladas
Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture and place it right in the middle of the tortilla. Roll it up as tightly as you can.
Place the rolled tortilla into your baking dish, making sure the seam side is facing down. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. They should fit snugly in the dish.
Step 6: Top With Sauce And Cheese
Once all your enchiladas are neatly lined up, pour the remaining enchilada sauce from the can over the tops. Spread it evenly using the back of a spoon to ensure full coverage.
Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the sauced enchiladas. This cheese layer will get wonderfully bubbly and golden in the oven.
Step 7: Bake To Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The goal is for the sauce to be hot and bubbly along the sides.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the foil. This allows the cheese on top to get nice and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent over browning.
Step 8: Rest And Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to cut.
Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and any of your other favorite toppings. Enjoy your amazing creation! It is truly one of the best what to make with rotisserie chicken options.
How To Store Leftovers
Got some delicious enchiladas left over? Lucky you! These make fantastic next day meals. Proper storage is key to enjoying them later.
To store your leftover chicken enchiladas, simply transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed well to keep them fresh. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you are ready for round two, warming them up is a breeze. Just pop them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are heated through. You might even find they taste even better the next day!
Having these ready made chicken dinner ideas in the fridge is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a quick and satisfying meal at hand. No more scrambling for lunch or dinner.
Tips
Want to take your enchiladas from great to absolutely amazing? Here are a few handy tips to make your cooking experience even smoother and your dish even tastier. These little tricks can make a big difference.
Don’t skimp on shredding the chicken finely. Using a hand mixer really does speed things up and ensures a consistent texture throughout your filling. This makes every bite perfect.
Feel free to experiment with your cheese choice. While cheddar is classic, a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little cotija can add different layers of flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite combination.
For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to your chicken mixture. Or, if you prefer a milder taste, choose a mild enchilada sauce. Customize it to your family’s spice preferences.
If you are short on time, you can prep the chicken filling ahead of time. Just mix it all together and store it in the fridge for a day or two. This makes assembling the enchiladas even faster on a busy night.
Don’t be afraid to load up on toppings! Besides sour cream and cilantro, consider adding sliced black olives, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or even some pickled jalapeños for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Remember, this is one of those versatile rotisserie chicken recipes that invites creativity. Make it your own, and enjoy the process of cooking delicious, easy meals at home. It is all about making those chicken dinner ideas shine.
Conclusion
There you have it! A truly simple, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully comforting recipe for cheesy chicken enchiladas using that convenient store bought rotisserie chicken. It is proof that amazing meals do not have to be complicated or time consuming.
We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, providing delicious chicken dinner ideas that everyone will look forward to. It is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you are craving some serious comfort food.
So, next time you are wondering what to make with rotisserie chicken, remember this easy enchilada bake. It is one of those fantastic meals with rotisserie chicken easy to love and even easier to make. Happy cooking, friends!
FAQ
Got questions about whipping up these delightful chicken enchiladas? We have got answers to some common queries to help you out. Cooking should be fun, not confusing, right?
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead Of Flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas offer a different flavor and texture. Just be aware they can sometimes tear more easily when rolling. You might want to briefly warm them in a damp paper towel in the microwave to make them more pliable.
What If I Don’t Have A Hand Mixer For Shredding Chicken?
No worries at all! You can easily shred the chicken by hand using two forks. It takes a little more elbow grease but works just fine. The goal is finely shredded chicken for the filling.
Can I Add Vegetables To The Filling?
Yes, please do! This is one of the best rotisserie chicken recipes for adding extra veggies. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, or black beans would be delicious additions. Just make sure they are cooked before mixing them in.
Can I Freeze These Chicken Enchiladas?
You sure can! Assemble the enchiladas as directed, but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What Kind Of Enchilada Sauce Should I Use?
Any brand of red enchilada sauce will work great. Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference. There are also green enchilada sauces if you want to try a different flavor profile.
Cheesy Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas
Turn a simple store-bought rotisserie chicken into a comforting, family-friendly dinner! These cheesy enchiladas are incredibly easy to assemble, making them a perfect no-fuss meal for any busy weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Remove all meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred. A quick tip: use a hand mixer to shred the chicken in seconds!
- Pour about 1/2 cup of one can of enchilada sauce into the prepared baking dish and spread to coat the bottom.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the other full can of enchilada sauce, the drained tomatoes & chilies, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top the enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce and the last 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to get the cheese nice and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with cheese! A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar works wonderfully.
For an extra kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken filling.
To make this dish even faster, you can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Add more veggies like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
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