The warm and comforting embrace of creamy chicken enchiladas makes this dish a weeknight favorite that’s quick to whip up and easy to love. With just the right amount of spice from green chiles and chili powder, balanced with the richness of sour cream and cheddar, it’s pure mealtime satisfaction.
Perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal effort, these enchiladas can be prepped in advance and baked to perfection in under half an hour. The combination of tender chicken, smooth sauce, and melty cheese wrapped in soft tortillas is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Full Recipe:
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1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
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½ cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon margarine
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1 onion, chopped
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
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1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers, drained
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8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
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1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup with sour cream. Set aside.
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Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and chili powder, sauté until onion is tender.
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Stir in the chicken, green chiles, and 2 tablespoons of the soup mixture. Cook until heated through.
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Spread ½ cup of the soup mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture in each tortilla. Roll and place seam side down in the dish.
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Cover the tortillas with the remaining soup mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 352 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
A Comfort Food Classic: Chicken Enchiladas V
Chicken Enchiladas V is a dish that bridges comfort food with classic Mexican-American flavors. Featuring tender shredded chicken, green chiles, and a luscious cream sauce wrapped in warm flour tortillas and topped with bubbling cheese, this recipe has been a staple in many home kitchens. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate — satisfying, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s no surprise that Chicken Enchiladas V is among the top-rated recipes on home cooking platforms, cherished for its ease and ability to feed a crowd.
This version of enchiladas uses a creamy base of condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream, adding richness and depth to a dish that traditionally features red or green enchilada sauce. It’s a fusion of textures and flavors — from the mild heat of green chiles to the golden, bubbly cheese layer that forms a crispy, gooey crown over the top.
The Cultural Roots of Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that has been adapted over the years into various regional and international styles. At their core, enchiladas are tortillas rolled around a filling and smothered in a sauce. In Mexico, you’ll find enchiladas verdes (with green tomatillo sauce), enchiladas rojas (with red chili sauce), and even mole-covered enchiladas.
What makes the Chicken Enchiladas V recipe distinct is its North American twist — using cream of chicken soup and sour cream as the sauce base. This variation likely originated in American households seeking to create Mexican-inspired comfort food using pantry staples. It’s a great example of how cultural dishes evolve based on the availability of ingredients and the preferences of home cooks.
Why Chicken Enchiladas V Stands Out
Among the countless enchilada recipes out there, Chicken Enchiladas V stands out because of its approachability. It uses familiar ingredients, requires no specialized cooking techniques, and delivers flavor that appeals to all ages. This is the kind of recipe people return to week after week because it’s:
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Fast and simple – With minimal prep and a short baking time, it’s a reliable weeknight option.
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Versatile – The filling and sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand.
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Family-friendly – The creamy, mild flavor is perfect for picky eaters, yet easily customizable for those who like more spice.
In addition, the texture contrasts — tender chicken, soft tortillas, creamy sauce, and melted cheese — create a satisfying eating experience.
Versatility and Customization
One of the reasons Chicken Enchiladas V has become a beloved home-cooking favorite is how easily it can be modified. While the original recipe is delicious as written, it also acts as a base for experimentation. Here are a few common ways home cooks customize this dish:
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Protein swaps: Substitute the chicken with shredded turkey, ground beef, black beans, or even a vegetarian meat alternative.
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Tortilla alternatives: Use corn tortillas for a more traditional taste or opt for whole wheat for added fiber.
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Add-ins: Mix in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to boost nutrition and bulk.
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Heat level: Adjust the spice by using different types of green chiles, or add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
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Cheese variety: While cheddar is the standard, you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
This kind of adaptability ensures that no two pans of enchiladas are quite the same — and that’s the beauty of it.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
Chicken Enchiladas V is also a fantastic recipe for those who like to plan meals ahead. The enchiladas can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can even freeze the entire pan for longer-term storage, making this an excellent option for busy families or anyone who likes to stock their freezer with ready-to-bake meals.
When freezing, it’s best to wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil and label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It makes weeknight dinners so much easier without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Pairing Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
To make your Chicken Enchiladas V dinner a complete meal, pair it with sides that balance out the richness of the dish. Some popular options include:
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Mexican rice or Spanish rice – The acidity and spices help cut through the creamy sauce.
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Refried beans or black beans – For a protein and fiber boost.
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Fresh salad – A lime-dressed cabbage slaw or avocado salad adds a refreshing crunch.
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Cornbread or tortilla chips – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce left on the plate.
Don’t forget to top the enchiladas with a few garnishes for flavor and presentation — chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of guacamole take the dish to the next level.
Tips for Best Results
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can make a big difference in taste and texture:
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Warm the tortillas before rolling – This prevents cracking and makes them easier to handle.
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Don’t overfill – Too much filling can make the enchiladas difficult to roll and may lead to uneven cooking.
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Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
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Spray your baking dish – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
These small touches can elevate your dish from good to great with very little extra effort.
Why Home Cooks Love It
Chicken Enchiladas V has a loyal fan base because it ticks all the right boxes. It’s fast, creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The dish has even received rave reviews online, with home cooks calling it “better than restaurant enchiladas” and noting how easy it is to adapt for picky eaters or to feed a crowd.
It’s also a great introduction to Mexican-inspired cooking for those who are just starting out in the kitchen. With no exotic ingredients or complicated steps, it’s a confidence-boosting recipe that delivers on flavor every time.
Conclusion: A Pantry-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser
In the world of comfort food, Chicken Enchiladas V earns its place as a dependable go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Whether you stick to the original version or put your own twist on it, this creamy, cheesy dish is bound to win over everyone at the table. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, sparks conversation, and guarantees empty plates. And really, what more can you ask for from a recipe?
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, Chicken Enchiladas V is calling your name. Give it a try — you may just find it becomes a permanent fixture in your weekly dinner rotation.