Make-ahead Meal : Chicken Enchiladas

I know one of the biggest deterrents to family dinner is that it takes time to plan and prepare (remember the whole 4 P’s thing). And I know how precious time is! If time is precious to you – you’ll love how quick and easy these chicken enchiladas are as a make-ahead meal. I timed how long it took for me to put them together this week and it was six minutes – SIX! Sound like something you can commit to? Of course you can! Keep in mind I already had my chicken cooked and shredded which makes a huge difference. If you don’t already have cooked, shredded chicken in your freezer, start here. It will make your dinner prep so much easier or you can also cheat and use canned chicken but it’s more expensive and not quite as tasty.

The first time I had green chili enchilada sauce was in college. I can still remember thinking it was amazing! I was on tour with one of BYU’s performing groups in Arizona and a host family fed us dinner. When I asked what the sauce was she pulled out this jar. Of course I didn’t have a cell phone in those days, and even if I would have, it wouldn’t have been able to take pictures. Anyone else remember those days? I committed the name of it to memory – 505. I’ve since decided it doesn’t matter what brand of green chile enchilada sauce I use, they all do the trick but appreciate 505 and the unnamed host family for introducing this wonderful taste to my life.

Fast forward a couple years and I met a guy who actually cooked dinner in college. That’s not why I fell in love with him, but it was definitely a perk. He brought this recipe to our marriage and family and we’ve been making it ever since.

Three reasons I love this recipe

• It’s so quick to throw together
• It’s a great recipe for kids to help with or do on their own. The trickiest part for younger kids is opening the cans.
• It’s simple to mass produce so when I need to feed the masses or take dinner to a friend, it’s on the top of my list.

What are you waiting for? Try it out and let me know what you think!

Make-ahead Meal : Chicken Enchiladas

Delicious chicken enchiladas that are quick and easy to make for getting family dinner on the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 6 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 12 flour tortillas I use the 6" size
• 1 15 oz can of chili with beans
• 1 10 oz green chili enchilada sauce
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

• Combine all the ingredients except the enchilada sauce and cheese in a bowl and mix well with a spoon.

  Add about 3 Tbs. of filling to a tortilla, then roll it up and place seam side down in a 9x13 pan.

  Pour enchilada sauce over the top of the filled tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.

  Bake at 350 for 30 min uncovered. Gather your family and enjoy!

Notes

If you are making this more than a day before, wait to add the sauce and cheese on top until right before baking.

This is a great meal for kids to make by themselves or help. It is a little tricky for younger kids to open the cans by themselves but everything else is great.

If you don't have cooked, shredded chicken on hand, you can use canned chicken in place of my bulked, shredded chicken. It won't be as good, but it will be good enough. I'd way rather you have family dinner than not and if all you can give is canned chicken, it's good enough. Use 16 oz of canned chicken in place of 2 cups - make sure to drain it really well.