Enchiladas

Corn tortillas dipped in chile sauce, filled with chicken, cheese or beans, rolled and topped with more sauce and cheese. They are baked or pan-fried until bubbling.

Enchiladas

Enchilada Rice Beans: Jon Sullivan, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

The word means 'in chile,' and enchiladas have been made in Mexico for centuries. Red, green and mole sauces each give a different version, and the dish became popular in Mexican-American kitchens as well.

Explore the cuisine of Mexico.

Recipe

Make Enchiladas at home

Serves 4-6Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro

How it's made

  1. Heat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
  2. Warm the sauce in a pan.
  3. Fry each tortilla in hot oil for a few seconds until soft, then dip in the sauce.
  4. Fill with chicken and a little cheese and roll up.
  5. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  6. Pour over the remaining sauce and cheese and bake 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Top with onion, sour cream and cilantro.

Variations

  • Enchiladas verdes: tomatillo sauce.
  • Enchiladas suizas: creamy sauce.
  • Cheese enchiladas: filled only with cheese.

Cook’s tip: Fry the tortillas briefly so they do not tear when rolled.

Related dishes

Tacos
TacosStreet food · Mexico
Chilaquiles
ChilaquilesBreakfast · Mexico
Mole poblano
Mole poblanoMain dishes · Mexico
Burrito
BurritoStreet food · Mexico
About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Enchilada Rice Beans: Jon Sullivan, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)