Zesty Lime Chicken Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a world of flavor with these Zesty Lime Chicken Enchiladas! This dish combines the tangy punch of lime with the comforting warmth of cheesy enchiladas. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Zesty Lime Chicken Enchiladas

The heart of this dish is the chicken breasts, which become tender and flavorful when cooked with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. The flour tortillas provide a soft, pliable wrap for our delicious filling. Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, melty goodness. The real star, though, is the cilantro lime sauce, which brings everything together with its zesty kick. Don't forget the freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness. Finally, the toppings — avocado, sour cream, red onion, and tomatoes — add layers of texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken as a quick alternative.
  • For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
  • Warm tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to make them easier to roll without tearing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A refreshing glass of iced tea or a margarita complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work well too, just be sure to warm them slightly to prevent cracking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Zesty Lime Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

Let's dive into the process! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, take your chicken breasts and rub them down with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Cook these in a skillet over medium heat. You'll want to get them nice and golden, cooking for about 7-8 minutes on each side until they’re no longer pink inside.

Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it using two forks. This can be a bit therapeutic! Mix the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of the cilantro lime sauce and your freshly squeezed lime juice. This step is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with so much flavor.

Now, grab your flour tortillas. Fill each one with some of the chicken mixture and a tablespoon of cheese. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the remaining cilantro lime sauce over the top, and sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.

Pop that dish in the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. While it’s baking, prepare your toppings. Once out of the oven, garnish your enchiladas with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, diced red onion, and diced tomatoes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with minimal prep time.
  • Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.
  • Perfect for meal prepping and great as leftovers.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup cilantro lime sauce
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 diced avocado
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes per side.
3. Shred the cooked chicken and mix with 1/2 cup of cilantro lime sauce and lime juice.
4. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese, then roll tightly and place in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour remaining cilantro lime sauce over the enchiladas and top with remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, diced red onion, and tomatoes before serving.

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