Oh, weeknights! You know how it is, right? The clock’s ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly when I need something fast, super satisfying, and seriously delicious. That’s where these Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas Cheesy Delight come in! They’re my go-to for a reason – it’s like a flavor explosion of smoky BBQ goodness wrapped up snug in a cheesy, comforting enchilada hug. Trust me, this recipe turns a hectic evening into a culinary win!
Why You’ll Love These Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Honestly, these enchiladas are a total game-changer for busy nights. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Super Quick & Easy: Seriously, they come together faster than you think, especially if you’ve got some leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken on hand. Weeknight dinner rescue, right?
- Crowd-Pleaser Alert: Whether it’s your family or friends coming over, everyone goes gaga for the sweet and smoky BBQ flavor mixed with all that gooey cheese.
- Flavor Bomb: That fusion of tangy BBQ sauce and classic enchilada spices? It’s just *chef’s kiss*. So much flavor, so little effort!
- Customizable Fun: Don’t like onions? Want to add a little heat? You can easily tweak this recipe to make it perfectly yours.
Gather Your Ingredients for Cheesy Delight
Alright, to whip up these amazing enchiladas, you’ll need to grab a few things from the pantry and fridge. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff! Here’s what you’re looking for:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just for getting things started in the pan.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – you can totally use rotisserie chicken here to save time, just shred it up!
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – pick your favorite kind! The smokier, the better, in my opinion.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – a little bit of onion adds so much flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin – our little spice team for that classic enchilada vibe.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just to season things up nicely.
- 8 corn tortillas – these need to be warmed up so they don’t crack when you roll ’em.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – a killer combo for maximum cheesiness!
- 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – these are for topping off your masterpiece. Yum!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where all the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward and totally doable even on a busy night. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pan full of deliciousness in no time! If you’re looking for another great way to use chicken, check out this irresistible BBQ chicken recipe!
Preparing the Flavorful BBQ Chicken Filling
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab a skillet and drizzle in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your chicken breasts and cook ’em until they’re nicely browned on both sides and cooked through – no pink bits allowed! Once they’re done, take ’em out of the pan and shred them up. I usually use two forks for this, it works like a charm. Pop the shredded chicken back into the skillet. Now, let’s add that yummy BBQ sauce, your chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You want those flavors to meld together beautifully. Seriously, the smell at this point is already amazing!
Assembling Your Cheesy Delight Enchiladas
Now for the fun part – rolling those enchiladas! You’ll want to warm up your corn tortillas just a smidge. I usually pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can quickly warm them on a dry skillet. This makes them super pliable and way less likely to break when you fill and roll them. Take a warm tortilla, spoon in about a quarter cup of that delicious BBQ chicken mix, and sprinkle in about 2 tablespoons of your shredded cheese. Roll it up snugly and place it seam-side down in your baking dish. Repeat this with the rest of your tortillas and filling. Try to pack them in there so they hold their shape!
Baking and Serving the Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Okay, once all your enchiladas are nestled snugly in the baking dish, go ahead and pour any leftover BBQ chicken mixture over the top. Then, and this is key for that cheesy delight factor, sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese all over everything. Get it right to the edges! Now, pop that pan into your preheated oven (remember, 375°F or 190°C?) and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be all melted and wonderfully bubbly – a sure sign of perfection! Once they’re out, let them cool for just a minute before topping them off with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. So good!
Tips for Success with Your Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Want to make sure these enchiladas are absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really help. First off, for the chicken, if you’re in a super big rush, rotisserie chicken is your best friend! Just shred it up and toss it right into that flavorful BBQ sauce mixture. Easy peasy! And about the spice level – if you like things with a kick, don’t be shy with the chili powder in the filling, or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper is fantastic. Also, warming those tortillas is a non-negotiable step for me; it really makes a difference in preventing tears. If you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinner ideas, you might love these ground beef recipes!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients, because the little details really make these Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas sing! For the BBQ sauce, I’m a big fan of a good smoky variety, but honestly, whatever your family loves works. If you like a little sweeter sauce, go for that! If you’re feeling bold, a spicier BBQ sauce adds a fun kick. When it comes to cheese, the Monterey Jack and cheddar combo is my go-to for meltiness and flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper Jack would add some heat, or even a bit of Colby Jack for a milder taste. If you’re dairy-free, there are some amazing dairy-free shredded cheeses out there now that work pretty well. And for a quick dinner, truly, don’t underestimate the power of a store-bought rotisserie chicken – it’s a lifesaver! For more dinner inspiration, check out my easy stuffed bell peppers recipe; it’s another weeknight winner!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Got questions about these cheesy delights? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about my Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Oh, totally! You can totally assemble these enchiladas earlier in the day. Just get them all rolled up, sauced, and cheesed in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just take off the plastic wrap and bake as usual, though they might need an extra 5-10 minutes because they’ll be starting out cold. It’s a lifesaver for entertaining!
What can I serve with these enchiladas?
These enchiladas are pretty much a meal in themselves, but if you want to round things out, a simple side salad is perfect! Something crisp and fresh cuts through all that cheesy goodness. A side of Mexican rice or some black beans also works wonders. Oh, and if you’re making a salad, you absolutely HAVE to try my ultimate Caesar dressing recipe; it’s amazing on anything!
Are these enchiladas spicy?
That’s a great question! They have a little bit of warmth from the chili powder, but they’re generally not super spicy. The heat really depends on the BBQ sauce you use. If you like things with a bit more kick, I suggest adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or using a spicy BBQ sauce. You can always offer a little extra hot sauce on the side too, for those who love the heat!
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
You sure can! While I love the texture of corn tortillas in enchiladas, flour tortillas work just fine. They tend to be a bit more forgiving and less likely to tear. Just warm them up the same way you would corn tortillas to make them pliable, and proceed with the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still totally delicious!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate and can totally change depending on the exact brands of BBQ sauce and cheese you use, or if you add extra toppings! But roughly, you’re looking at about 450 calories per serving (that’s two enchiladas), with around 25g of fat and 25g of protein. They’ve also got about 30g of carbs. Pretty balanced for a super yummy dinner, right?
Print
Flavorful BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy and delicious enchiladas with a BBQ chicken filling.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and shred it.
- Return shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir in BBQ sauce, chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture and 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour any remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the enchiladas.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas, easy dinner, flavorful recipe