Cinco De Mayo Fiesta: Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake

Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a delicious and easy-to-make dish: Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake. This recipe will take you through the steps to create a mouthwatering meal, filled with flavorful chicken, cheese, and spices. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply looking for a tasty dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta: Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake

Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant and festive celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, and what better way to join in the festivities than by preparing a delicious and satisfying dish like Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake! This scrumptious meal combines the flavors of tender chicken, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo party or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your apron, put on your favorite sombrero, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly and Baking:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream and guacamole (for serving)

Preparation of Enchilada Sauce

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.

Preparation of Chicken Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated in the spices.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembly

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take a small flour tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
3. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them side by side in the baking dish.
5. Pour the prepared enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are fully covered.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas.

Baking the Enchiladas

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Once the enchiladas are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish and Serving

1. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the baked enchiladas for added flavor and freshness.
2. Serve the Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole on top.
3. Pair it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Optional Additions

You can further enhance the flavors of your Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake by adding some optional toppings or fillings. Here are a few delicious ideas:

• Sliced black olives
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped jalapeños
• Green onions
• Sliced avocado
• Hot sauce or salsa

Feel free to get creative and customize your enchiladas to your taste!

Tips

• To save time, you can use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.
• If you prefer a spicier taste, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the enchilada sauce.
• Make sure to fully cook and shred the chicken beforehand to ensure tender and juicy filling.

Variations

While this recipe focuses on chicken enchiladas, you can easily switch up the protein and make it suitable for your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Beef Enchilada Bake: Replace the chicken with ground beef or shredded beef.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bake: Skip the meat altogether and use sautéed vegetables like zucchini, corn, and mushrooms for the filling.
• Seafood Enchilada Bake: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a delicious seafood twist.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to gather your loved ones and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a scrumptious feast! The Individual Chicken Enchilada Bake is the perfect centerpiece for your fiesta, with its bold flavors and comforting layers of cheese and tortilla. So put on some festive music, pour yourself a margarita, and enjoy the delectable taste of this satisfying Mexican-inspired dish. Happy Cinco de Mayo and buen provecho!