Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared ahead of time, these freezer-friendly enchiladas are the perfect solution. Utilizing rotisserie chicken, creamy sour cream, and a flavorful taco seasoning mix, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Moreover, you can easily tailor the recipe to your preferences by adjusting the ingredients or toppings. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¾ cup small diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4-ounce can diced mild green chilis
1-ounce packet taco seasoning
¾ cup sour cream
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat (white and dark meat from a 2-pound cooked and cooled rotisserie chicken)
3 cups shredded colby-jack cheese, divided (1 cup for the chicken filling and ½ cup per pan for a total of 2 cups)
12 (6-inch) fajita-size flour tortillas
19-ounce can (approximately 2 cups) red enchilada sauce, divided (½ cup sauce per pan)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (with freezing and thawing)
Yield: 4 pans of enchiladas (total of 12 enchiladas)
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Aluminum Pans
Place four small (5×8 inch) disposable aluminum pans on the counter and lightly spray the inside of each pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Cook the Onions and Garlic
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter, diced sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are tender.
Add Green Chilis and Taco Seasoning
Add the diced green chilis and taco seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Combine with Sour Cream
Turn off the heat to the skillet and stir in the sour cream until all the ingredients are fully combined.
Mix Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion mixture, shredded rotisserie chicken, and 1 cup shredded colby-jack cheese, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients.
Fill the Tortillas
Place a single flour tortilla onto a plate. Add ⅓ cup of the chicken filling into the center of the flour tortilla and carefully roll the tortilla to form the shape of an enchilada.
Arrange the Enchiladas in Pans
Place the filled and rolled tortilla into one of the prepared aluminum pans, seam side down, and repeat with two more tortillas until you have a total of 3 filled and rolled tortillas in a single aluminum pan. Repeat steps until all the aluminum pans are filled with three enchiladas each.
Pour Enchilada Sauce
Divide the red enchilada sauce evenly among the four pans of enchiladas by carefully pouring approximately ½ cup red enchilada sauce over the tops of the enchiladas in each aluminum pan.
Add Topping Cheese
Divide the remaining shredded colby-jack cheese evenly among the four aluminum pans by topping each pan of enchiladas with ½ cup of shredded cheese.
Cover and Freeze
Cover each of the pans of freezer enchiladas with a piece of aluminum foil, tightly sealing the pans around all the edges. Place the aluminum pans of enchiladas into the freezer, in a single layer, for a minimum of 8 hours, up to overnight, to allow the enchiladas to freeze solid before stacking them for longer storage in the freezer.
Thaw Before Baking
When ready to bake, remove as many aluminum pans of enchiladas as desired and place them into the refrigerator to thaw completely. Once thawed, remove the aluminum foil cover from each pan.
Bake the Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the enchiladas to cool for 3-5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serving.
Notes
Cilantro Garnish
Fresh chopped cilantro can be used as a garnish for an added flavor burst, though this is optional.
Freezer Storage
These enchiladas can be frozen for longer storage. Make sure they are completely frozen before stacking to prevent sticking.
Rotisserie Chicken
Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor; alternatively, you can cook and shred your own chicken.
Cheese Variation
Feel free to use other types of cheese if colby-jack is not available; options include cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the unsalted butter and diced sweet yellow onion are sautéed together to enhance their flavors and tenderness before adding other ingredients.
Mixing
Mixing is the process of combining ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. In this recipe, the cooked onion mixture is mixed with shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese, helping to create a cohesive filling for the enchiladas.
Rolling
Rolling is a technique used to enclose filling within a tortilla or similar wrap. In this recipe, flour tortillas are filled with the chicken mixture and rolled to form enchiladas, helping to create a neat presentation and ensure the filling stays contained during baking.
Layering
Layering involves adding ingredients in a systematic manner, often to achieve a certain visual appeal or flavor profile. This recipe layers the enchiladas with red enchilada sauce and shredded cheese, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Freezing
Freezing is a method of preserving food by lowering its temperature to below freezing. In this recipe, the assembled enchiladas are frozen in aluminum pans, making them convenient for later baking and serving.
Baking
Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that uses an oven to cook food evenly from all sides. In this recipe, the enchiladas are baked uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, ensuring a deliciously melted topping.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute colby-jack cheese with other cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend based on your preferences.
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the shredded rotisserie chicken with beans, vegetables, or a meat alternative to create a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftover enchiladas?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze any leftovers for longer storage.
Can I bake the enchiladas from frozen?
Yes, you can bake the enchiladas directly from frozen. Just increase the baking time to 35-45 minutes at 375°F, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What sides pair well with these enchiladas?
These enchiladas pair well with sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This recipe provides a delightful and convenient option for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, homemade meal with minimal prep time. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese wrapped in flour tortillas creates a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Freezing the enchiladas makes for an easy dinner solution that can be enjoyed at any time.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Layer shredded rotisserie chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese in a baking dish for a quick casserole version.
Vegetable Enchiladas
Swap chicken for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Use seasoned ground beef in place of chicken, adding extra spices for a robust flavor profile.
Breakfast Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats for a hearty breakfast treat.
Shrimp Enchiladas
Incorporate sautéed shrimp with a spicy creamy sauce for a seafood twist on traditional enchiladas.
Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, topped with ranch dressing after baking.
Pork Green Chili Enchiladas
Substitute shredded pork and green chili sauce for a smoky and savory flavor profile.
Black Bean Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with black beans, corn, and cheese for a hearty vegetarian alternative that is both filling and nutritious.
