Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas
“Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas” is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. I love how this dish brings together tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a zesty homemade enchilada sauce in just over 30 minutes. The best part is that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a comforting Mexican meal. Whenever I’m craving something quick yet satisfying, I turn to my Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe is so straightforward that even novice cooks can easily master it.
Preparing the Filling
The magic begins with preparing the filling. I start by microwaving diced chicken and chopped onion until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Then, I mix in shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and a bit of salt and pepper. This blend of ingredients creates a creamy, flavorful filling that’s perfect for our enchiladas. Once the filling is ready, I soften the tortillas in the microwave, which makes them pliable and easy to work with.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Next, I spoon the chicken mixture onto the tortillas and fold them up. These filled tortillas go into a microwave-safe baking dish, ready to be topped with my homemade enchilada sauce. The sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika and dried thyme. I microwave the sauce until it’s bubbling and pour it over the enchiladas before giving them a final spin in the microwave.
Serving and Enjoying
When the Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas are done, I garnish them with a sprinkle of extra cheese and serve them hot. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from a quick dinner to a casual get-together. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with its delicious flavor, makes it a staple in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken breasts and quality cheese. Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika based on your spice preference. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.
- Soften Tortillas Properly: Be sure to wrap the tortillas in a damp cloth and microwave them just long enough to soften. Over-microwaving can make them dry and brittle.
- Customize Your Filling: Add extras like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling for additional flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more ingredients.
- Use a Microwave-Safe Dish: Ensure you use a microwave-safe casserole or baking dish to avoid any issues with melting or uneven cooking.
Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas
4
servings10
minutes23
minutes450
kcal33
minutesGet ready to whip up a delicious and speedy dinner with these Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a game-changer. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a zesty homemade enchilada sauce, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in just over 30 minutes. It’s so simple, even novice cooks can master it!
Ingredients
Filling
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Tortillas
8 nine-inch whole wheat tortillas
Enchilada Sauce
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp ground coriander
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground turkey or tofu can replace chicken for a different protein.
Vegan cheese and coconut yogurt can be used for a dairy-free version.
Corn tortillas can substitute whole wheat tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Directions
- Prepare Filling – Place diced chicken and chopped onion in a microwave-safe casserole dish. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 3 minutes; stir. Cover again and microwave until chicken is cooked through and firm, about 2-3 more minutes. Stir to break up the chicken; drain any excess liquid. Add shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, salt, and pepper to the cooked chicken mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover and set aside.
- Soften Tortillas – Wrap four tortillas in a damp cloth and microwave on high until softened, about 45 seconds. Keep tortillas covered while working with the filling. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold up the sides and place seam-side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Prepare Sauce – In a mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, water, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and ground coriander. Mix well. Cover the bowl tightly and microwave on high until the sauce is boiling, about 4-6 minutes; stir halfway through.
- Assemble Enchiladas – Pour the prepared enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas in the baking dish. Cover loosely and microwave on high until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, about 7-9 minutes.
- Serve – Garnish with additional shredded cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- microwave-safe casserole dish
- microwave-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQs- Quick Microwave Chicken Enchiladas
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought enchilada sauce if you’re short on time. Just skip the sauce preparation step and pour the pre-made sauce over the filled tortillas before microwaving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before microwaving. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the filling?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas instead of whole wheat tortillas to make the dish gluten-free. Ensure that any additional ingredients or sauces you use are also gluten-free.
Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas before microwaving. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave according to the recipe instructions.
