Enchiladas (Chicken/Cheese with Red Sauce)

Ingredients

• For the Red Enchilada Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 2 cups chicken broth
• For the Filling & Assembly:
  • 10-12 corn tortillas
  • Vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese, or a mix)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, mix with filling)
  • 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, diced onions

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Keep warm.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Soften Tortillas: Lightly fry tortillas in a skillet with a small amount of hot oil for about 10-15 seconds per side, just until pliable. Alternatively, brush tortillas lightly with oil and bake for a few minutes, or warm them in a microwave.
4. Assemble: Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Dip each softened tortilla into the warm enchilada sauce to coat. Place some filling (chicken and/or cheese, onion if using) down the center of the tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the topping cheese over the sauce.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Add desired toppings.

Why It's Special

Enchiladas are a beloved staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The process of dipping tortillas in chili sauce, rolling them around a filling, and baking them covered in more sauce and cheese creates a deeply flavorful and satisfying comfort food dish. Their adaptability with different fillings (chicken, beef, cheese, beans, vegetables) and sauces (red, green, mole) makes them a versatile favorite.