Zesty Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Craving something savory and satisfying with a bit of a kick? These Zesty Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will spice up your dinner routine. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish brings together tender chicken and fresh spinach, all wrapped in a comforting embrace of cheese and enchilada sauce.

Ingredients for Zesty Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas

Shredded cooked chicken is your protein-packed base, absorbing all the flavors. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Olive oil helps sauté the onion, adding a subtle richness. Onion brings sweetness and depth to the filling, while spinach leaves add a pop of freshness and nutrients. Flour tortillas are the perfect vessel, soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, providing a creamy backdrop to each bite. The enchilada sauce ties everything together with its tangy, slightly spicy profile. Sour cream adds a touch of tang and creaminess, balancing the spices. Cumin, salt, and black pepper round out the flavors, bringing warmth and a bit of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • For added spice, mix in some diced jalapeños with the filling.
  • Cover the enchiladas loosely with foil if the cheese starts to brown too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these enchiladas with a simple side of Mexican rice or a fresh avocado salad. A squeeze of lime over the top right before serving can really brighten up the dish. If you like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the flavors. And don't forget a dollop of extra sour cream or guacamole for a creamy finish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but soften them first by lightly frying or microwaving to prevent cracking.
How do I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time if needed.

Zesty Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your enchiladas are assembled. In a skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté it until it's translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing! Add in the spinach leaves, stirring them around for about 2 minutes until they're wilted down.

Transfer the sautéed onions and spinach to a large bowl. Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Grab a flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto it. Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading it out to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, serve them hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with straightforward steps.
  • Packed with protein and fresh greens for a balanced meal.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and heat level.
  • Perfect for leftovers — they taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed onions and spinach, 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll tightly.
6. Place the enchiladas seam side down in a baking dish.
7. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!