Scrumptious Barefoot Contessa’s Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these cheesy chicken enchiladas by Barefoot Contessa deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Loaded with tender, seasoned chicken and wrapped in soft tortillas, each bite promises a delightful flavor explosion.

The rich, melted cheese creates a golden blanket that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Vibrant spices dance through the filling, creating a harmony of tastes that’ll make you want seconds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for busy cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll love how quickly these enchiladas come together, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Grab your apron and get ready to master a dish that’ll become a new dinnertime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that brings hearty flavor and satisfaction to the enchiladas, best when using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum juiciness.
• Green Chilies: Adds a subtle heat and vibrant flavor, choose canned varieties for consistent taste and convenience.

• Cottage Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy combination that creates rich, luxurious texture and tangy depth, select full-fat versions for maximum melting and flavor complexity.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the enchilada filling, warm slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and natural sweetness, look for firm, glossy onions without soft spots.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking, choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers bold, zesty southwestern flavor, opt for low-sodium blend for better control of salt content.
• Enchilada Sauce: Brings moisture and traditional mexican essence, red or green sauce works perfectly.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, citrusy finish, wash and chop just before serving to maintain vibrant flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for more intense flavor.
• Water: Helps bind and moisten the chicken mixture during cooking.

Tools You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken mixture with onions and spices.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the creamy cheese blend.
• 11×14-inch baking dish: Provides the right space for assembling and baking enchiladas.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, cilantro, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise chopping and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate portioning of cheese and sauce.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Steps to Make Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Zesty Chicken Enchilada Adventure

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Warmup

Set your oven to a cozy temperature that will transform these enchiladas into a golden delight.

• Flavor Foundation

Sizzle onions in a pan until they become soft and translucent. Dance in green chilies and seasonings, then fold in tender chicken pieces to create a mouthwatering filling.

• Cheese Wonderland

Blend creamy cheeses and tangy sour cream into a luxurious mixture that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Rolling Magic

Spread a layer of sauce in your baking dish. Lovingly spoon cheese and chicken onto tortillas, then roll them into delicious packages nestled close together.

• Cheese and Sauce Finale

Drench your enchilada rolls with remaining sauce and sprinkle a generous blanket of cheese on top.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese melts and the edges turn deliciously crispy.

• Fresh Finish

Shower your creation with fresh cilantro and prepare for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Variations & Tips for Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Expert Tips & Twists
• Swap chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or black beans for a personalized protein option that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Adjust the taco seasoning and green chilies to match your spice tolerance, ensuring every bite delivers just the right kick without overwhelming flavors.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Assemble enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving – perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning enthusiasts who want delicious dinners without last-minute stress.
• Top finished enchiladas with optional garnishes like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra texture and fresh, zesty dimensions to the classic dish.

Serving Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Serve with Zesty Sides: Complement the enchiladas with fresh Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Create a Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, diced red onions, or sliced jalapeños on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
• Pair with Cool Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, fresh guacamole, or homemade salsa to cut through the richness and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Elevate with Beverage Choices: Serve alongside a refreshing margarita, cold Mexican beer, or sparkling lime water to complete the authentic southwestern meal.

Plan Ahead & Store Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheat Gently: Warm enchiladas in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For a quicker option, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator and add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when ready to cook. This makes meal planning a breeze for busy home cooks.

Spectacular Barefoot Contessa Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired cheesy chicken enchiladas deliver comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty spices create a memorable meal that welcomes diners to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 680 g (24 oz) cooked and shredded chicken
• 790 g (28 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 170 g (6 oz) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 170 g (6 oz) shredded monterey jack cheese (divided)
• 225 g (8 oz) cottage cheese
• 120 g (4 oz) sour cream
• 12 (8-inch/20 cm) flour tortillas
• 150 g (5.3 oz) chopped onion
• 30 ml (2 tbsps) vegetable oil
• 1 (4-oz/113 g) can diced green chilies
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 60 ml (4 tbsps) water
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F), positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a skillet, sauté onions in vegetable oil until softened. Add green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and a splash of water. Incorporate shredded chicken, stirring to coat evenly with the aromatic spice blend.
3. Cheese Fusion: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Enchilada Assembly: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in an 11×14-inch baking dish. Lay out tortillas, spread cheese mixture in the center, top with seasoned chicken, and roll tightly into cylindrical shapes, positioning seam-side down.
5. Sauce and Cheese Finale: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle additional cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the top.
6. Baking Transformation: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce bubbles, cheese melts completely, and the filling reaches optimal temperature.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Hack: Shred chicken while still warm for easier, more uniform texture and better spice absorption.
• Cheese Mixing Tip: Blend cheeses at room temperature to create a smoother, more cohesive filling that melts evenly.
• Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Sauce Coverage Trick: Ensure complete sauce coating by spooning extra sauce between enchiladas for maximum flavor penetration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg