Cheesy Spicy Baked Chicken Enchiladas

Introduction

Cheesy Spicy Baked Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for anyone who craves bold flavors without complicated steps. With each bite, you get juicy shredded chicken, a spicy tomato-chili sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all wrapped up in warm corn tortillas. This recipe is a standout for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, delivering a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and easy to make in a single baking dish.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Spicy Baked Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are a flavor powerhouse: smoky, spicy, with just enough creamy cheese to mellow the heat. Combining pantry staples with a few fresh ingredients, this dish is easy to customize and scale up for a crowd. The melted cheese topping forms a golden crust that’s impossible to resist, while the spicy red sauce infuses the tender chicken and tortillas with authentic Southwestern flavor.

Choosing the Right Chicken and Cheese

For the best texture, use cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience. When it comes to cheese, opt for a blend of melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend to maximize flavor and that classic stretch.

The Secret to a Bold, Spicy Sauce

The homemade enchilada sauce is where all the heat lives. Combine canned tomato sauce, chipotle peppers in adobo, chili powder, and garlic for a smoky, spicy base. Simmer the sauce for about 5-10 minutes so flavors meld and the heat infuses every layer. Prefer less spice? Simply reduce the amount of chipotle and chili powder.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesy Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

Warm your tortillas so they’re pliable, then fill each with chicken and a spoonful of sauce. Roll them up tightly and arrange seam-side down in a casserole dish. Top generously with remaining enchilada sauce and all that glorious cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Meal

Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for freshness. Pair with classic sides like Spanish rice, black beans, or a simple green salad. These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them great for leftovers throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 8 enchiladas, serving 4 people as a hearty main course. Each serving is approximately 425-475 calories, depending on your cheese and sauce choices—a balanced, protein-rich meal with plenty of flavor.

Cheesy Spicy Baked Chicken Enchiladas (Recap)

Spicy, cheesy, and easy to make, these baked chicken enchiladas are a surefire way to bring excitement to the dinner table. Enjoy layered flavors and textures that please everyone, from spice lovers to cheese fanatics.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a tidy shopping list with each ingredient sorted by grocery store section—ideal for streamlined meal planning and quicker shopping trips.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ½ cup of the enchilada sauce and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese plus ¼ cup cheddar cheese.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or in a dry skillet until flexible. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll up and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

These Cheesy Spicy Baked Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for prepping in advance or doubling up for leftovers—making them a meal prep favorite. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal planner to keep your week deliciously organized and your shopping smart.

Planning Benefits:

• Totally calculates ingredient amounts across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by aisle for easier, faster grocery trips
• Prevents duplicate buying and missing ingredients
• Streamlines weekly meal prep for maximum time savings

Pro tip: Planning multiple meals using CookifyAI’s smart scheduler means seeing ingredient overlaps—so you always shop efficiently and reduce food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes