Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas from El Torito feature tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft corn tortillas, smothered in creamy sour cream sauce and melted cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro for a rich, savory, and comforting Mexican treat.
Equipments
- Large pot or saucepan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz (115g) canned diced green chiles
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Cooking spray
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender shredded chicken that absorbs the creamy sour cream sauce well. Corn tortillas should be soft and pliable to prevent tearing when wrapped around the chicken filling. Canned diced green chiles add a mild heat and authentic flavor, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. Fresh cilantro leaves are best added as a garnish to preserve their bright, herbaceous taste. Your Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas from El Torito copycat menu will capture the rich, savory comfort of the original dish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and sear until browned on both sides.
- Remove chicken, set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Shred cooled chicken with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the skillet, mix with onion mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, green chiles, and lime juice.
- Grease baking dish with cooking spray.
- Warm corn tortillas to make pliable (microwave for about 20 seconds wrapped in damp towel).
- Place about 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll tightly.
- Arrange filled tortillas seam-side down in baking dish.
- Pour sour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the top.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Substitution
Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas from El Torito copycat menu combine tender shredded chicken and creamy sour cream sauce for a rich, authentic flavor. You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising taste. If corn tortillas are difficult to find, flour tortillas work well as an alternative, though they add a slightly different texture. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess with fewer calories. When baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning while ensuring even cooking.
Tips
Make sure to warm the corn tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and tearing during assembly. Shred the chicken only after it has cooled slightly to avoid losing moisture and to get tender pieces. Taste and adjust the seasoning of your chicken and sauce mixture before baking to ensure balanced flavors. Use aluminum foil to cover the enchiladas while baking, which helps keep the moisture in and melts the cheese evenly.
Nutritions
Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas provide a substantial source of protein from the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The combination of sour cream and heavy cream contributes healthy fats and calcium, essential for bone health, while the corn tortillas add dietary fiber which promotes digestion. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika not only enhance flavor but also offer antioxidant properties. To enjoy this dish in a balanced way, consider pairing it with a fresh vegetable side to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze the enchiladas in a freezer-safe container, wrapped tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until heated through for optimal flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time while preserving flavor. Swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture and milder taste. Incorporating diced jalapenos into the sour cream sauce adds a spicy kick tailored to your preference. You might also try baking the enchiladas uncovered for the last 10 minutes to achieve extra crispy edges.
Allergies
Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas contain dairy from sour cream, heavy cream, and cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The recipe also includes corn tortillas, which could pose a risk for those with corn allergies. If you have any food sensitivities, ensure you check ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Chicken & Sour Cream Enchiladas from El Torito restaurant are loved for their rich, creamy sauce perfectly balancing tender shredded chicken wrapped in warm corn tortillas. The dish features authentic Mexican flavors combined with a smooth, tangy sour cream topping that enhances each bite. Making the copycat version at home lets you recreate a beloved, restaurant-quality experience with fresh ingredients tailored to your taste. Your homemade enchiladas deliver the same comforting, bold flavor while giving you control over spiciness and freshness.