Hello, enchilada enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a meal that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant ingredients, look no further than Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas in Creamy Avocado Sauce. This dish is packed with tender chicken, ripe avocados, and a luscious enchilada sauce, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a comforting meal for your family, these enchiladas will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the recipe for this irresistible dish.
Introduction
Mexican-inspired cuisine is celebrated for its robust flavors and colorful presentations, and these Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas are no exception. Combining the richness of avocados with the savory goodness of shredded chicken and cheese, this recipe elevates traditional enchiladas to a whole new level. The creamy enchilada sauce ties it all together, creating a comforting yet zesty meal. This dish isn’t just a feast for the palate—it’s also easy to make and customizable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
These ingredients create a delicious combination of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
How to Make Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas
Follow these easy steps to make your Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them soft and pliable. This prevents cracking during rolling.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon the chicken and avocado mixture evenly onto the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered. This will keep them moist and flavorful while baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle sour cream over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Customizing the Recipe: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Making It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Cheese Options: While Monterey Jack is ideal for its meltability, feel free to use cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Cooking Tips
To ensure your enchiladas turn out perfectly:
- Keep Tortillas Moist: Cover the tortillas with a damp paper towel when warming them in the microwave to retain their moisture.
- Prevent Soggy Enchiladas: Drain any excess liquid from the chicken and avocado mixture to avoid overly wet enchiladas.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe avocados and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad. For beverages, try serving with iced hibiscus tea or a refreshing margarita. Garnish the plate with additional lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas provides a delicious balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients:
- Calories: 430
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 760mg
- Potassium: 680mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
This dish is nutrient-rich, satisfying, and a great choice for a wholesome meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Freezing Option: For make-ahead convenience, assemble the enchiladas without the sauce, freeze them in the baking dish, and add the sauce before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas are a great alternative, especially for a more authentic texture and flavor. Be sure to warm them before filling to prevent cracking.
What type of enchilada sauce works best?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade red enchilada sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a green tomatillo-based sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based cheese and coconut yogurt.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas, you might also like:
- White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- the Ultimate Apple Cake Recipe!
- Mom’s Best Cake
- Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas in Creamy Avocado Sauce! With their creamy, cheesy filling and vibrant flavors, these enchiladas are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a festive gathering, they deliver bold flavors and plenty of smiles. Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how yours turned out. Enjoy every bite!