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Growing up in Arizona, Mexican food is a part of nearly everyone’s diet. Summers usually meant trips down south to Rocky Point, where Arizonans flock to enjoy the ocean. I can remember being a kid and experiencing the most intense humidity down in Mexico, so intense that all of our vacation photos have a blurry haze caused by moisture infiltrating the now old-school film camera. I guess Arizona really does have a “dry heat”, as the humidity astounded me. The food I remember most comes in two forms: a quesadilla from a shack off the road leading down to Rocky Point and a flan relished at a restaurant on top of a small bluff overlooking the gorgeous baja coast. Sadly, Mexico has become too dangerous to visit. But either way, I’ve always found myself craving and cooking more Italian food. However as the weather has grown warmer, I’ve recently found myself craving more and more Mexican food. The defining piquancy and spiciness of Mexican food is unlike any other cuisine.
Recipe Rundown
Taste: Such a depth of spicy Spanish flavors.
Texture: Cheesy, crunchy, soft, tender, chunky, thick.
Ease: I’ll admit the number of ingredients intimated me. However, I managed to successfully make this recipe for the first time while on the phone. If I can make a recipe while distracted on the phone, anyone can!
Appearance: The only cheese I had in my fridge (besides mozzarella and parm) was a pre-shredded Mexican blend so my enchiladas didn’t get as melty as they should have. I think they still looked pretty damn good though.
Pros: Impressive dinner to serve for company. Also, I froze half of the filling since I don’t need to serve 8.
Cons: Long list of ingredients.
Would I make this again? Like I said, I have extra filling sitting in the freezer!
Chicken Enchiladas
From Tyler Florence
Serves 8
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican Spice Blend
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 4 canned chipotle chiles, seeded and minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 16 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
- Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes
Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.
Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.
Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Coat the bottom of 2 (13 by 9-inch) pans with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro, scallion, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving. Serve with Spanish rice and beans.
Can this be made the night before and then baked just before serving?
Hi Mary! We haven’t tried that, but it should be fine! Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and place in the fridge. You’ll want to make sure to increase the baking time a bit if baking directly from the fridge just to make sure they’re completely heated through. Enjoy!