Ina Garten’s Zesty Cheese-Loaded Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Tender chicken nestled in warm tortillas and smothered with a rich, creamy enchiladas sauce that captures Ina Garten’s comfort food magic.

Her cheesy chicken enchiladas recipe brings a delightful southwestern twist to your dinner table.

The blend of melted cheese, spicy peppers, and succulent chicken creates an irresistible combination.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of cheese melt into the soft tortillas, creating a decadent dish that feels both homemade and gourmet.

The recipe strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s Mexican-Inspired Chicken Dish

• Cast-iron skillet: Large 30cm pan for perfectly searing and roasting chicken.
• Shallow bowl: For mixing flour, salt, and pepper coating mixture.
• Knife: Sharp blade for slicing chicken breasts crosswise.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt, pepper, and butter.
• Measuring cups: For precise oil and flour measurements.
• Cooking tongs: Helpful for carefully turning chicken in the skillet.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for slicing and preparing chicken.
• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Parsley chopper/small knife: For mincing fresh parsley garnish.

Ina Garten’s Steps for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken Preparation

Select fresh chicken breasts and prepare a seasoning blend using basic pantry spices. Create a light coating that will help develop a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.

• Skillet Magic

Heat a robust cast-iron skillet over medium temperature. The key is allowing the pan to warm evenly, creating an ideal surface for achieving a perfectly seared chicken exterior.

• Cooking Technique

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Use a gentle touch when turning to maintain the delicate meat’s texture and moisture.

• Butter Enhancement

Introduce rich butter to the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce that elevates the chicken’s natural flavors. Watch for a gentle browning that signals maximum flavor development.

• Serving Style

Transfer the beautifully cooked chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle the pan’s flavorful butter over the top, creating a glistening finish that promises incredible taste. Accompany with fresh sides like creamy avocado or bright citrus garnishes for a complete meal experience.

Add Spice or Cream—Ina’s Variation Tips

• Replace chicken with shredded turkey, tender beef, or plant-based protein for a different flavor profile and dietary needs.
• Adjust heat by adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers directly into the enchilada filling for those who love extra kick.
• Prepare chicken and enchilada components up to two days in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and reduce cooking stress.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or sharp cheddar to elevate the enchiladas' overall taste and texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to cut down preparation time without sacrificing delicious flavor when you're short on cooking minutes.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Ina Style

• Serve with Zesty Sides: Pair the cheesy chicken enchiladas with vibrant Mexican-inspired accompaniments like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a crisp corn salad to enhance the flavor profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and crumbled queso fresco over the enchiladas to add color, texture, and a burst of freshness.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Arrange sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a wedge of lime alongside the enchiladas to provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Add Spicy Kick: Offer homemade salsa, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños on the side for guests who want to turn up the heat and customize their meal.

Storing & Reheating Ina Garten’s Enchilada Tray

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer enchiladas to freezer-safe containers or wrap individually in aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw refrigerated enchiladas in the fridge overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy texture.
• Maximize Freshness: Consume refrigerated chicken enchiladas within 3-4 days. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Always use clean utensils when handling leftovers to prevent bacterial growth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 6

Essentials for Ina Garten’s Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh breasts with smooth skin for tender, juicy results.
• Canola Oil: Ensures even, golden-brown searing without overpowering chicken's delicate flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, light coating that seals in moisture and adds subtle texture.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and helps create a perfect seasoning crust.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a mild, warm spiciness that complements the chicken's richness.

• Butter: Develops a nutty, golden brown sauce that adds luxurious depth and richness to the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal notes and a pop of color to the final dish.
• Lemon: Provides a zesty, fresh accent that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Sour Cream: Offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken.
• Avocado: Introduces creamy texture and subtle, buttery flavor as a complementary side.

Authentic Ina Garten Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cheesy chicken enchiladas bring Mexican-inspired comfort directly to dinner tables. Warm tortillas, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 900g (2 lbs) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on (3 split)
• 200g (2 cups) freshly grated extra-sharp white Cheddar
• 200g (7 oz) creamy goat cheese, such as Montrachet
• 440g (15.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 7 (20cm/8-inch) flour tortillas
• 375ml (1½ cups) crushed tomatoes, such as San Marzano
• 475ml (2 cups) good chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 410g (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 225g (1½ cups) chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 75g (½ cup) seeded and small-diced poblano pepper
• 30ml (2 tbsps) canola oil
• 15g (2 tbsps) all-purpose flour
• 15g (1 tbsp) chili powder
• 15g (1 tbsp) ground chipotle powder
• 15g (¼ cup) minced fresh parsley or cilantro, plus extra for garnish
• 5g (1 tsp) ground cumin
• 1g (1 tsp) dried oregano, crushed in your hands
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sour cream, for serving
• 2 ripe Hass avocados, pitted, peeled

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a delicate flour blend by thoroughly mixing all-purpose flour with salt and ground black pepper in a shallow dish, ensuring a uniform coating for the chicken.
2. Chicken Preparation: Expertly trim chicken tenders from the breasts, positioning them for future culinary adventures.
3. Skillet Heating: Warm canola oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking environment with even oil distribution.
4. Flour Coating: Delicately dredge each chicken breast in the prepared seasoned flour, gently removing excess to achieve a gossamer-thin layer.
5. Initial Cooking: Carefully nestle the chicken into the heated skillet, positioning skin-side down without overcrowding, and allow to develop a golden, crisp exterior for approximately 12 minutes.
6. Oven Roasting: Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 230 degrees Celsius oven, roasting for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and ensure thorough cooking.
7. Butter Infusion: Return skillet to stovetop, gently flip chicken skin-side up, and introduce unsalted butter, letting it brown and create a rich, nutty essence around the meat for 3-5 minutes.
8. Doneness Check: Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 54-60 degrees Celsius, guaranteeing perfect culinary execution.
9. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and slice chicken crosswise into elegant portions. Drizzle remaining browned butter over the meat for an extra layer of decadence.
10. Serving Suggestion: Plate the chicken with optional accompaniments such as a zesty lemon wedge, creamy sour cream, and smooth avocado slices to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Achieve a light, even layer by gently dredging chicken and shaking off excess for crispy perfection.
• Skillet Selection: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and superior browning of chicken.
• Temperature Control: Monitor chicken’s internal temperature between 54-60°C to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked meat without drying.
• Butter Browning Trick: Allow butter to brown around chicken, creating a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg