Go Back
Chicken and Rice Enchiladas

Chicken and Rice Enchiladas

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Rice Enchiladas are creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious family get-together, these enchiladas will satisfy those cravings. Make them tonight for a meal that everyone will love!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 enchiladas
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (about 3 breasts or 4 thighs)
  • 2.5 cups cooked rice (425g)
  • 15 oz corn drained
  • 15 oz black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 4 oz jalapeño peppers or diced green chiles
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup or one batch homemade
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3 cups shredded cheese mozzarella cheddar, or Mexican blend
  • 16 large flour tortillas (not burrito size)
  • 1 batch red enchilada sauce (or 4 cups store bought)

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This will ensure that your enchiladas cook evenly and get that delightful golden color you desire.
  2. Take two 9x13 inch pans and add a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce at the bottom of each pan. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds flavor right from the start.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the tortillas and enchilada sauce. Stir everything until it’s evenly mixed. You want to see the colorful combination of chicken, rice, corn, black beans, and spices.
  4. Now, take a large spoon and scoop about ½ cup of the filling mixture onto one edge of a tortilla. Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on top of the filling, which adds a delicious melty layer.
  5. Roll the tortilla tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Place it seam-side down in the pan. Repeat this process until each pan is filled with 7-8 enchiladas.
  6. If you have a second pan, feel free to freeze it for later. Just cover it well!
  7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas in both pans. Be generous; this will soak into the tortillas and keep them moist.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce, ensuring that every inch gets some cheesy goodness.
  9. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with a lovely golden crust forming on top.
  10. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle and makes serving easier. Serve with a side of homemade salsa or pico de gallo for an extra flavor punch!

Notes

  • Yield: 16 enchiladas.
  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada.
  • Rice: If I'm in a hurry I will cook a package of boxed rice mix, like cilantro-lime rice, Mexican, or rice pilaf flavors best in these enchiladas. Or, use our homemade Mexican rice or rice pilaf.
  • Canned Cream of Soup: I use one batch of my homemade cream of chicken soup.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Substitute any brand store-bought red or green enchilada sauce. You will need about 4 cups of sauce.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: Follow the instructions to assemble the enchiladas, but don't pour the enchilada sauce on top. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Pour enchilada sauce and cheese on top right before baking. This recipe makes TWO 9×13 pans. I love to serve one for dinner that night and freeze the other one for another day.
  • Freezing Instructions: Follow the instructions to assemble the enchiladas, but don't pour the enchilada sauce on top. Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze enchilada sauce separately, if desired, and thaw overnight in fridge. Pour enchilada sauce over frozen enchiladas and bake from frozen at 350°F (180°C) for about 1 hour, covered in foil. Remove foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.