chicken and spinach enchilada recipe

chicken and spinach enchilada recipe

The Best chicken and spinach enchilada recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for chicken and spinach enchiladas with you. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for dishes that are quick, easy, and delicious – and this one fits the bill perfectly. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a new way to use up leftover chicken and spinach.

It’s become a staple in our household, and I love making it for family gatherings and special occasions. The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, with plenty of protein, fiber, and vitamins from the spinach and chicken.

Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and fillings. My kids adore helping me assemble the enchiladas, and they’re always a hit at school lunches or potlucks. I’ve even started serving them at dinner parties – they’re that good!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. And when you do finally sit down to enjoy it, the combination of tender chicken, flavorful spinach, and creamy sauce is just irresistible.

My family asks for it all the time – it’s become one of our go-to comfort foods. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out, give these chicken and spinach enchiladas a shot – I promise you won’t be disappointed! This dish has become a staple in our household because of its simplicity and flavor.

With just a few ingredients, you can create an incredible meal that everyone will love.

Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Recipe

Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Recipe

4.8 from 935 votes

These chicken and spinach enchiladas are filled with a creamy, savory mixture of shredded chicken, wilted spinach, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. They are topped with a rich red enchilada sauce and more cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Salt to taste

For Assembly

12 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium heat, add the fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
3Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then chop the spinach finely.
4In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
5Stir until well mixed and set aside.
6To make the enchilada sauce, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
7Whisk in the flour, chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
9Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10Season with salt to taste.
11Spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and spinach filling down the center of each corn tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
13Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them completely.
14Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
16Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
17Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder sauce, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lower fat content.

Watch Video Of How Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Recipe Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at a party. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat as needed. Simply thaw the enchiladas overnight in the fridge or reheat them in the microwave or oven until hot through.

You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. Serve hot with your favorite toppings – we love adding diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, or sour cream.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Spinach Enchilada

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I like to use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack or Colby.

Q: Can I make this recipe without tortillas?

Yes, you can make this recipe without tortillas! Simply layer the chicken mixture with the spinach and cheese in a baking dish or individual ramekins.

Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming too soggy?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming too soggy, be sure to dip them in hot water before assembling the enchiladas.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh! Just thaw it according to package instructions before using.

Q: What if I don’t have any leftover chicken on hand?

No problem! You can easily cook boneless chicken breasts or thighs in advance and then shred or chop them up for this recipe.

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