Tangy Spinach Chicken Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Tangy Spinach Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect blend of savory and fresh flavors wrapped in warm tortillas. The creamy avocado sauce adds a delightful tanginess that elevates this dish to a whole new level. It's a comforting meal that brings a little zest to your dinner table, and it's easy enough for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients for Tangy Spinach Chicken Enchiladas

Let's break down what makes this dish so special. We start with olive oil to sauté the aromatics; it's a great neutral base that doesn't overpower the other flavors. The onion and garlic bring a savory depth to the filling. Fresh spinach adds a burst of nutrition and a slight earthiness that pairs well with the shredded chicken, which is the protein backbone of the dish. The spices—cumin, paprika, and black pepper—give the filling warmth and complexity.

The flour tortillas are our trusty vehicle for all that goodness, while Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, providing a creamy finish. The sour cream and avocado team up to form a luscious, tangy sauce infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro. A splash of chicken broth thins the sauce just enough to coat everything perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding your own.
  • For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling or sauce.
  • Warming the tortillas prevents them from tearing when you roll them.
  • If you prefer corn tortillas, just make sure to soften them in a pan before filling.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A few slices of lime on the side can add extra zing for those who love a citrusy touch. A cold, refreshing agua fresca or a light beer would pair nicely too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas in advance and refrigerate them. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.
What can I substitute for avocado?
If you're not a fan of avocado, try using Greek yogurt in the sauce for a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Absolutely! Assemble them without the sauce and cheese, freeze, and then add the toppings before baking when you're ready to eat.

Tangy Spinach Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating, grab a skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they're translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do it.

Now, it's time to add in the chopped spinach. Stir it around until it's nicely wilted, then remove the skillet from the heat. Toss in the shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Next, let's make that tangy sauce. In a bowl, mash up the avocado until smooth, then blend in sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chicken broth. This mixture will be creamy and tangy—just the right balance for our enchiladas.

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them easy to handle. Now, fill each tortilla with the chicken-spinach mixture, roll them up snugly, and place them in a baking dish seam-side down.

Pour the avocado sauce evenly over the top, making sure each enchilada gets a good coating. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over everything, then pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

When they're done, serve your enchiladas hot, adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, tangy flavors complement the hearty chicken and spinach filling.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you likely have at home.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable for spice lovers or those who prefer it mild.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 flour tortillas
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add spinach, cooking until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, and black pepper.
4. Mash avocado in a bowl, then mix with sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and chicken broth to create the sauce.
5. Warm tortillas in a microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
6. Fill each tortilla with chicken-spinach mixture, roll up, and place in a baking dish seam-side down.
7. Pour avocado sauce evenly over the enchiladas, topping with shredded cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.

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