Chicken is such a versatile ingredient. You can flavor and serve it any way you’d like. You can serve it on its own or combine it into a sandwich, casserole, taco, and more.
Chicken is often used in Mexican dishes, and enchiladas are a popular recipe that comes to mind. We feel this recipe for sour cream and chicken enchiladas is one that will be a winner with most families. Read on to find out more about how you can make this dish and similar dishes for your family.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Surely you've heard that chicken is one of the best meats you can eat. It's often recommended as a substitute for ground beef, due to its lower calorie and fat content. Chicken is also high in protein, making it a great choice for those trying to build muscle or lose weight.
Chicken has other health benefits, too. It's packed with a variety of nutrients, including selenium, phosphorous, and B vitamins. Picking foods that offer a lot of different vitamins and minerals is a great way to keep your family healthy. Eating a balanced diet can be tough, so make it as easy as possible on yourself!
Studies have shown that eating foods that are high in protein can help you lose weight more efficiently. Protein helps the body stay fuller for longer, helping you avoid late-night cravings and mid-day snacking. Any food with a lot of protein is a good choice, but like we mentioned above, chicken is an especially good selection due to its low calorie and fat content.
By making this enchilada recipe for your family, you'll be feeding them a nutritious dinner that also tastes good. Eating on the healthier side doesn't have to mean eating boring! While this recipe may not be a superfood, it's still a good way to get necessary nutrients into your family's diet.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Before discussing the ingredients of the recipe, let’s be clear in understanding exactly what an enchilada is. Many people confuse them with burritos and, while the two are quite similar, there are subtle differences.
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The first major difference between the burrito and the enchilada is that enchiladas are made with corn tortillas as opposed to burritos, which are made with flour tortillas. Another major difference is that enchiladas tend to be a bit more elaborate. They are usually covered with a tomato and chili pepper sauce. A red enchilada sauce is commonly used.
The recipe we have here many not quite qualify as an enchilada, as more authentic Mexican cooks will want to substitute the flour tortillas we use with corn tortillas.
The Picante sauce fits the bill as a tomato and chili-based sauce, although an enchilada recipe will call for it to be put on top of the burrito rather inside it.
However, the sour cream and cheese topping in our recipe adds to the meal as a whole, elevating it and making it more elaborate, to the point where it may be considered an enchilada. But for an added measure of authenticity, home cooks can add a bit of the sauce to the top of the enchilada as well.
Fillings for both burritos and enchiladas are pretty similar. Although any fillings can be used, it is typical for the tortillas to be filled with some combination of meat like ground beef, chicken, or pork. From there, all manner of things can be added, including rice, vegetables, beans, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and more.
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
One thing that’s great about these chicken enchiladas is that they’re so easy to make. They require only five ingredients and they can be assembled in a matter of minutes.
You start with 6 boneless chicken breasts that you can prepare as desired. Then cut into slices. The chicken is then simmered in Picante sauce. Picante sauce is basically the same as salsa, except it is a hot and spicy version. It also tends to be thicker and chunkier. Simmering the chicken in the sauce will give it a wonderful spicy flavor.
Next, you spread butter on the top of the tortillas and fill them with the chicken and Picante sauce mixture. Lay the enchiladas face down in a casserole dish and cut slices into the tops of the tortillas. Spread sour cream and cheese on top and back until the cheese is melted (20-30 minutes).
Another Great Chicken Enchilada Recipe
If you are looking for other chicken enchilada dishes to provide variety, here is a recipe for Easy Creamy Chicken Enchiladas that we recommend.
For this recipe, start by spreading enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Mix chicken, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Then, spoon less than a half cup of the mixture into the tortillas.
Roll them up and place them seam side down on the baking dish. Then sprinkle with more cheese and enchilada sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until the enchiladas are bubbly and lightly browned. Serve to your family for a meal they are sure to enjoy.
Enchiladas are great because they can be a meal unto themselves. You can add meat, starch, vegetables, and more to make sure all the recommended food groups are included. On the other hand, if you have a heartier appetite, you can add rice, beans, a salad, or veggie as a side to make the dish more complete.
Enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish that can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, ensuring they will make for a meal your family will love. These chicken variations are just a few recipes you can choose from. How will you be preparing enchiladas tonight?
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Sour Cream and Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
One thing that’s great about these chicken enchiladas is that they’re so easy to make. They require only five ingredients and they can be assembled in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 flour tortillas
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 1 jar picante sauce
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts. Cut into slices. (If using pre-sliced stir-fry chicken, cook slices in a skillet until done)
- Simmer chicken in picante sauce.
- Lightly spread butter on flour tortillas. Stuff tortillas with chicken mixture.
- Lay open side face down in casserole dish. Cut slices in top of tortillas.
- Spread sour cream, then cheese on top of tortillas.
- Bake at 350 degrees F about 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Alexandra Golovac / Unsplash.