Enchiladas are a cornerstone of traditional Mexican cuisine, offering a perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures. Made with soft tortillas, a rich and flavorful sauce, and your choice of fillings, this dish can be customized to suit any preference. Authentic Mexican enchiladas stand out because of their homemade sauce and simple preparation that highlights fresh ingredients without unnecessary complexity. Follow this guide to prepare enchiladas that taste like they came straight from a Mexican kitchen.
1. Authentic Mexican Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp chili powder adjust down for a milder sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups stock chicken or vegetable
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
For the Enchiladas
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Mix the spices together in a bowl.
Add oil to a medium pot and place over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering add the flour and whisk in then add the spices and continue whisking for a minute.
Pour in the tomato sauce and whisk then add the stock and continue whisking until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the cooked shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of the sauce maked in step 1. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove the chicken from the heat
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Quickly fry each tortilla for about 5-10 seconds per side until pliable but not crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Scoop about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of the tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
Roll up the tortilla around the filling and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the enchiladas for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or sour cream if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas work best as they are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolled. If they feel stiff, warm them slightly before frying.
Don’t Skip Frying the Tortillas: Frying the tortillas briefly in oil helps prevent them from getting soggy when coated in sauce.
Avoid Overfilling: Add just enough filling to make the enchiladas easy to roll without breaking the tortilla.
Serve Immediately: Enchiladas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. The texture and flavor are at their peak when served hot.
3. Variations
Protein Options: Swap shredded chicken with ground beef, pork carnitas, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Vegetarians can use beans, grilled vegetables, or sautéed mushrooms as a filling.
Sauce Choices: While this recipe uses a red chile sauce, try green enchiladas (enchiladas verdes) made with tomatillos or creamy white enchiladas with a sour cream-based sauce.
Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese inside the enchiladas or mix different types, such as Oaxaca or cheddar, for a richer flavor.
Stacked Enchiladas: Instead of rolling the tortillas, layer them in a casserole dish with sauce, filling, and cheese for a lasagna-style enchilada bake.
4. What to Serve With Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a hearty main dish, but they pair wonderfully with traditional Mexican sides to complete the meal. Consider serving them with:
Mexican Rice: A flavorful and lightly spiced rice dish complements the bold flavors of the enchiladas.
Refried Beans: Creamy and savory beans provide a great contrast to the tangy enchilada sauce.
Guacamole and Chips: A side of fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips adds a refreshing touch.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is a must-have.
Side Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the enchiladas.
5. Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers: Place leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, store the sauce and enchiladas separately, if possible.
Reheating: Reheat enchiladas in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of sauce or broth to keep them moist.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce and fillings a day in advance to save time. Assemble the enchiladas just before baking for the freshest results.
Authentic Mexican enchiladas are a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients. With a homemade sauce as the star, this dish brings comfort and tradition to your table. Experiment with fillings and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the rich, authentic taste of Mexican cuisine right at home.
