How to Make Delicious Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken and cheese enchiladas are a beloved comfort food in many households. While this recipe might look a bit daunting, fear not! Here's a detailed guide on how to make them from scratch, just like a professional home cook.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces Salt and pepper to taste 2 sprigs of fresh cilantro, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 large onion, sliced 1 bay leaf

For the Sauce:

2 large tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 large onion, diced Cilantro, chopped Jalape?o chili, diced (optional for mild flavor) 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes (morita or arbol) Salt and pepper to taste

Tortillas and Toppings:

10-12 corn tortillas 4 cups of shredded chicken, cooked with broth Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese Sour cream Fresh cheese (optional) Queso fresco or cheddar cheese for topping Chili toreados (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, we need to cook the chicken. You can opt for slow-roasting in a roasting pan with spices for a rich flavor. Alternatively, you can simmer it in a pot with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and a bay leaf. Here's a simple way:

Place the chicken pieces in a pot and cover with boiling water. Add salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and a bay leaf. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (about 1-1.5 hours). Strain the broth, set the chicken aside to cool, and shred the meat. Keep aside the chicken broth for the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

The sauce adds the key element of taste and color to the enchiladas. You can make a simple red or green sauce:

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced poblano peppers, onions, and garlic until caramelized. Add canned crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and season with cumin and chili powder. Simmer for about an hour, then strain and reserve for assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the corn tortillas until they turn golden and crispy. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Dip a tortilla in the warm sauce, fill with some shredded chicken, and top with cheese. Bend the tortilla to form an elongated roll, seam side down, and place in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are used, covering the top layer with another layer of sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and top with shredded cheese, cutting an opening to allow even cooking. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the enchiladas are golden and bubbly, garnish with sour cream, fresh cheese, and chili toreados. Serve immediately and enjoy the dish with friends and family!

Additional Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade enchilada sauce. This can be done by adjusting the spices and ingredients to your liking or using a store-bought base as a starting point. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Queso fresco or cotija, to add extra texture and taste.

Feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste preferences. This dish is particularly flexible, allowing you to add more ingredients or change the composition to suit your dietary needs.

Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, these step-by-step instructions will help you create a delicious and unforgettable meal of chicken and cheese enchiladas. Happy cooking!