Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy delicious, homemade chicken enchiladas that won't break the bank. This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:43:05.238Z

This Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a lifesaver for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without overspending. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flavorful chicken filling wrapped in soft tortillas
Affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners

      

The Perfect Family Meal

Chicken enchiladas are a fantastic choice for a family meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. The warm, soft tortillas envelop a savory filling, making each bite a satisfying experience. They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones rather than in the kitchen. With the right ingredients, you can create a wholesome dish that brings the family together around the dinner table.

This budget-friendly chicken enchiladas recipe is a great solution for busy weeknights. It's quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal in no time. You can even get the kids involved in rolling the tortillas, making it a fun family activity. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Your family will love this tasty dish, and you’ll appreciate the simplicity of making it.

Customize Your Enchiladas

One of the best things about enchiladas is their versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you prefer beef or vegetables, feel free to substitute the chicken and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can also mix in additional ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added nutrition. This recipe serves as a great foundation for your culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures.

To make your enchiladas even more exciting, consider trying different types of cheese or sauces. While cheddar and Mexican blend cheese are popular choices, you can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick or queso fresco for a creamy finish. Additionally, topping the enchiladas with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish and add a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you begin cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your enchiladas:

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, chopped onion, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Fill the Tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. Once warm, place a generous amount of the filling in the center of each tortilla and roll them up tightly.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the enchiladas for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor!

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

To ensure your enchiladas are perfectly rolled and filled, it's essential to warm the tortillas before assembly. This softens them, making them pliable and less likely to tear. You can warm them in a skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds. Take your time filling each tortilla to avoid overstuffing, which can lead to messy enchiladas.

When it comes to baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the enchiladas inside. This helps to achieve that bubbly, golden cheese topping. If you find that your cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown nicely.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your chicken enchiladas, consider serving them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette can also enhance the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich enchiladas. For an extra layer of flavor, serve the enchiladas with homemade pico de gallo or guacamole on the side. This will not only add vibrant colors to your plate but also enhance the overall dining experience.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider making a build-your-own enchilada bar. Set out the tortillas, fillings, toppings, and sauces, and let your guests create their own personalized enchiladas. This interactive dining experience is sure to be a hit and allows everyone to tailor their meal to their liking, making your budget-friendly chicken enchiladas even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.

→ Can these enchiladas be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Just cover them tightly and they will keep for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for black beans?

You can use pinto beans, refried beans, or even skip the beans if you prefer.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for some heat.