Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover a delicious and economical way to enjoy Mexican cuisine with these budget-friendly chicken enchiladas. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Vivienne Cole

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:13:13.798Z

This budget-friendly chicken enchiladas recipe is not only easy to make but also a real crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and a flavorful filling, you can whip up a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Affordable ingredients that are easy to find
  • Packed with flavor and satisfying textures
  • Great for meal prep and feeding a crowd

A Taste of Tradition

Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, showcasing a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This dish traditionally features tortillas filled with various ingredients, rolled up, and smothered in a savory sauce. Our budget-friendly chicken enchiladas are no exception, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you're a fan of classic recipes or exploring new culinary delights, these enchiladas will surely win your heart.

Using simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe allows you to create a delicious meal without breaking the bank. The shredded chicken provides protein, while the cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the spices beautifully. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors, making it an ideal option for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of this chicken enchilada recipe is its versatility for meal prep. Preparing a batch of these enchiladas in advance means you'll have hearty meals ready to go for busy weeknights. Simply store them in the refrigerator or freeze for later use. When you're ready to eat, just pop them in the oven and enjoy a warm, flavorful dish in no time!

Additionally, the crowd-pleasing nature of enchiladas makes them perfect for gatherings. You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger group, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Pair them with a simple salad or rice, and you have a complete meal that’s both economical and delicious.

Customization Options

This chicken enchilada recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different cheese blends or add extra toppings such as avocado or diced tomatoes to enhance the flavor.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced green chilies or using a spicy enchilada sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, so don't hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, onions, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve topped with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired.

Enjoy your budget-friendly chicken enchiladas with your favorite toppings!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this delicious chicken enchilada feast, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing the enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer, making them a convenient option for future meals.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken enchiladas pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, refried beans, or Mexican rice are excellent choices to complement the rich flavors of the enchiladas. You can also serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a festive touch.

To elevate the dish further, consider offering a selection of toppings, such as fresh guacamole, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of queso fresco. This not only adds flavor but also allows each person to customize their plate to their liking.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add extra flavor.

→ Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked enchiladas. Just cover them tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time.

→ What can I substitute for cheese?

You can use dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version.

→ How do I make the enchiladas spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce for a kick!

Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Discover a delicious and economical way to enjoy Mexican cuisine with these budget-friendly chicken enchiladas. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Vivienne Cole

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Enchiladas

  1. 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  2. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  3. 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  4. 8 small flour tortillas
  5. 1/2 cup diced onions
  6. 1 teaspoon cumin
  7. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  1. Sour cream
  2. Chopped cilantro
  3. Sliced jalapeños

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, onions, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Step 03

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 05

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve topped with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 20g