If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors, this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine the perfect harmony of crunchy tortilla chips mingling with tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and a luscious enchilada sauce all baked into one irresistible dish. It’s like enchilada night got a fun and easy twist that saves you time without skimping on taste. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be singing its praises at every dinner gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe has a wonderful balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with texture and flavor. Each component plays an essential role – from the crunchy chips that give it that satisfying bite to the creamy beans and cheese that add richness and heartiness.
- 6 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed: The crunchy foundation that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Tender protein that makes this dish hearty and filling.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and a boost of fiber and protein.
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce: The flavor-packed sauce that ties everything together with a gentle spice.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives a cool, tangy element that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warm earthiness to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for gooey, golden goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh crunch and mild bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brings a bright, herbal freshness.
- Diced avocado and extra sour cream for serving (optional): Perfect creamy topping options to elevate each bite.
How to Make Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy clean-up later. This small prep step sets you up perfectly for an effortless assembly process.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce, sour cream, ground cumin, and chili powder. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Then gently fold in the crushed tortilla chips—this keeps them crisp while allowing them to soak in the saucy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create an even layer. This helps the flavors marry and guarantees that cheesy topping melts perfectly on every bite.
Step 4: Cheese It Up and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar generously over the top of the chip mixture. Pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. This melt creates that irresistible gooey, golden crust that enchiladas are famous for.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give your bake about 5 minutes to set before serving. This makes slicing and serving easier and lets the flavors settle. Then top with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream if you like. These garnishes add freshness and creaminess that take this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly topping your enchilada bake with green onions and cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors perfectly. Diced avocado and extra sour cream bring a creamy contrast. These finishing touches make every forkful vibrant and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe partners beautifully with simple sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These additions balance the richness and round out your meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bake in individual ramekins for a personalized portion. Alternatively, spoon it onto warm tortillas for a taco-style presentation. Either way, this dish shines at family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a great option for next-day meals. Just make sure it’s chilled promptly to stay fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this enchilada bake before baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it covered for longer to heat through, then uncover for the last few minutes to melt the cheese and get that perfect golden top.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese and a quick broil for a couple minutes helps revive that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shredded chicken and add extra black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can swap in a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack if you want a little extra spice and complexity in your Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe.
Can I use fresh tortillas instead of chips?
While fresh tortillas can be used, using crunchy tortilla chips adds a unique texture and flavor that sets this recipe apart. If you prefer tortillas, consider lightly frying them to add a bit of crisp.
Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful shortcut that cuts your prep time and keeps the dish super tender and tasty.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and enchilada sauce, but you can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the spices or adding jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe is a delightful celebration of comfort food that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals when you want something hearty without a fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you lived without it!
Print
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These Tortilla Chip Enchiladas offer a quick and delicious twist on traditional enchiladas by combining crunchy tortilla chips with shredded chicken, black beans, and a flavorful enchilada sauce baked under melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight Mexican-inspired main course, this casserole brings comforting flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Extra sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, drained black beans, enchilada sauce, sour cream, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and evenly combined.
- Add Tortilla Chips: Gently fold the slightly crushed tortilla chips into the mixture until they are evenly coated with the sauce mixture, being careful not to break them down too much.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer for baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the enchilada mixture, covering the surface for that perfect melted cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and an extra dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for this recipe and adds great flavor.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for added spice and variation.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the beans or add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
