Chicken Enchiladas from Uncle Julio's feature tender, shredded chicken wrapped in soft corn tortillas, smothered in a zesty red enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, savory finish.
Equipments
- Large saucepan
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender and easily shreddable meat for the enchiladas. Corn tortillas are preferred for authenticity, but warming them slightly before rolling helps prevent tearing. Shredded cheddar cheese melts smoothly, creating a rich, creamy texture when combined with the red enchilada sauce. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Your Chicken Enchiladas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu will deliver the perfect balance of zesty sauce, melted cheese, and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook chicken breasts in a large saucepan with water until fully cooked; shred with two forks.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Briefly warm each corn tortilla in the skillet until pliable.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce.
- Spoon chicken mixture evenly into the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up tortillas and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over enchiladas.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Chicken Enchiladas from Uncle Julio's deliver a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, rich red enchilada sauce, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in soft corn tortillas. If boneless, skinless chicken breasts are unavailable, you can substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey for similar flavor and texture. Corn tortillas can be swapped with flour tortillas if you prefer a softer option or have difficulty finding corn tortillas. Use store-bought enchilada sauce to save time, but homemade sauce will enhance the dish's authenticity. When assembling, warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet to prevent cracking during rolling.
Tips
Make sure to cook the chicken breasts thoroughly in the saucepan until no pink remains, then shred evenly with two forks for consistent texture in your enchiladas. Warm each corn tortilla in the skillet briefly to prevent tearing when rolling, ensuring they remain soft and pliable. When assembling, distribute the chicken mixture and cheese evenly to promote uniform baking and melting. Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from burning before the enchiladas are heated through.
Nutritions
Chicken Enchiladas from Uncle Julio's provide a rich source of lean protein from 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The corn tortillas contribute complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber while keeping the dish gluten-free. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, and the enchilada sauce offers vitamins A and C from chili peppers, which enhance the immune system. Your meal balances macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
Storage
Store your leftover Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until heated through to preserve the flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor, or use black beans and corn for a vegetarian option. Replace cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a creamier texture. Swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas if you prefer a softer bite. You can also add sauteed onions and bell peppers to the chicken mixture for added depth and sweetness.
Allergies
Chicken Enchiladas from Uncle Julio's contain common allergens including dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential soy in the vegetable oil. Corn tortillas may pose an issue for those with corn allergies, while the enchilada sauce ingredients could vary, sometimes containing gluten or additional allergens. Ensure you review ingredient labels thoroughly to avoid any adverse reactions and keep your dietary needs safe.
Why this recipe?
Uncle Julio's Chicken Enchiladas are renowned for their tender, shredded chicken bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly balances smoky and spicy notes. The dish features freshly made corn tortillas, melted cheese, and a hint of fresh cilantro, creating a satisfying texture and vibrant taste. You'll appreciate how the recipe combines traditional Mexican flavors with high-quality ingredients, making it a standout menu item. Recreating this beloved dish at home allows you to enjoy that authentic restaurant experience anytime, customizing the heat and ingredients to your preference.