Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa verde
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or more as needed
• 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 cup crumbled Oaxaca or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream, or to taste
• Fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for optional garnish

Directions

Step 1: Place a strainer over a bowl and pour the salsa into the strainer. Strain out the excess liquid until only 1 1/2 cups of salsa remains. Discard the liquid.

Step 2: Heat the avocado oil over medium-low heat in a large nonstick skillet. Place 2 tortillas into the warm oil and heat them for about 1 minute on each side. Remove the tortillas and set them in a single layer on a work surface. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 3: Wipe the skillet with a clean paper towel and place it back over low heat.

Step 4: Take each tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of shredded chicken across the center. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of chopped onion and 1 tablespoon of cheese on top of the chicken. Reserve any extra cheese for later use.

Step 5: Roll up each tortilla to form an enchilada and place it seam-side down in the skillet. Pour the prepared salsa over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: Cover the skillet and heat the enchiladas gently until the cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 7: Once the cheese is melted, top the enchiladas with dollops of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 499
• Total Fat: 30g (38% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (52% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 113mg (38% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1029mg (45% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 33g (12% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 26g (53% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 17mg (19% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 282mg (22% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 670mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas, a staple of Mexican cuisine, trace their origins back to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, where corn tortillas were commonly filled with various ingredients and topped with chili sauces. The modern version of chicken enchiladas, particularly those using rotisserie chicken for convenience, evolved as Mexican cuisine blended with contemporary cooking practices in North America. Rotisserie chicken, widely available in grocery stores, became a practical shortcut, allowing home cooks to enjoy rich, flavorful enchiladas without the hours of labor traditionally required.

Regional Variations

While enchiladas are popular throughout Mexico, regional differences define their flavor profiles. In central Mexico, enchiladas suizas are often topped with creamy sauces, while northern regions favor spicier red sauces. The use of salsa verde, as in this recipe, is particularly common in the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz. Adding rotisserie chicken modernizes the dish without losing its authentic touch, making it popular across the United States as a convenient and flavorful option.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Enchiladas are often confused with burritos or tacos, but they differ in both preparation and presentation. Unlike tacos, which are served open, enchiladas are rolled around a filling and covered in sauce before baking or warming. Burritos typically use flour tortillas and are larger, often containing rice and beans along with meat, whereas enchiladas traditionally use corn tortillas and focus on the harmony of the filling, sauce, and cheese. Using shredded rotisserie chicken simplifies the process, differentiating it from slow-cooked or freshly roasted chicken versions.

Typical Serving Context

Rotisserie chicken enchiladas are versatile and served in various contexts, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. In Mexican households, they often appear during celebrations like birthdays or holidays, accompanied by sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, and fresh guacamole. In restaurants, they are frequently presented as a comforting entre, garnished with sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges, emphasizing both visual appeal and flavor balance.

Interesting Facts

• The word enchilada comes from the Spanish verb enchilar, meaning to season with chili.
• Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a smoky, seasoned depth to the enchiladas.
• Oaxaca cheese, commonly used in this recipe, is known for its stringy texture and mild, creamy flavor, similar to mozzarella.
• Enchiladas have been adapted globally, leading to creative variations with cheeses, sauces, and proteins beyond the traditional chicken or beef fillings.
• This dish exemplifies the fusion of convenience and tradition, showing how classic Mexican flavors can be preserved while adapting to modern lifestyles.

FAQ about Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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