Spiced Mango Chicken Enchiladas bring a tropical twist to a classic comfort dish. With juicy chicken, zesty mango salsa, and a blend of spices, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
The star of this dish is the chicken, which absorbs all those lovely spices, becoming tender and flavorful. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken evenly while adding a subtle richness. A blend of ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a warm, spicy base that compliments the sweetness of our mango salsa. The Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, adding creamy goodness atop the enchiladas. Flour tortillas act as the perfect vessel, holding everything together. Finally, the enchilada sauce ties all the flavors, adding moisture and a tangy kick.
These enchiladas are great with a side of black beans or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an extra tropical touch, pair them with a pineapple margarita or a chilled glass of white sangria.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it's ready to go once everything is assembled. Next, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub these spices in well to make sure the chicken is fully coated.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until it's golden and cooked through, which should take about 7-8 minutes per side. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and shred it using two forks. This shredding process is simple: just hold the chicken with one fork and pull away with the other.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of enchilada sauce and the mango salsa. This mixture is what will fill your tortillas. Speaking of which, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a portion of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll them up snugly, and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Sprinkle them with Monterey Jack cheese, making sure it covers evenly. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Before serving, garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.