Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce; 8 small flour tortillas; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Sour cream; Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy a delicious and economical meal with these Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these enchiladas are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:52:16.468Z

This Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is not only delicious but also gentle on your wallet. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Affordable ingredients that won't break the bank
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Deliciously cheesy and flavorful with every bite

      

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When you're juggling a busy schedule, finding time to prepare a wholesome dinner can be a challenge. That's where these Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas come in! With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish allows you to serve up a satisfying meal without the stress. Perfect for families or anyone looking to whip up something quick, these enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that's not only filling but also packed with flavor. The combination of shredded chicken, black beans, and spices brings a richness that will impress everyone at the table. Moreover, the gooey cheese and savory enchilada sauce elevate the dish, making it feel like a treat rather than just another dinner.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or quinoa. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making these enchiladas an adaptable option for any palate. Additionally, you can vary the level of spiciness by choosing a mild or hot enchilada sauce.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings as well! While fresh cilantro and sour cream are classic choices, you can also add avocado, diced tomatoes, or even a squeeze of lime for a refreshing touch. This flexibility not only keeps the dish exciting but also helps you cater to the preferences of your family and friends.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

These enchiladas are a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the dish in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This means you can enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days, with minimal effort required when you're ready to eat.

Furthermore, these enchiladas freeze beautifully. If you want to stock your freezer with delicious meals, simply prepare the enchiladas, cover them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze before baking. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just allowing for a little extra cooking time. This strategy not only saves time but also helps reduce food waste, making it a win-win situation!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.

For the Enchiladas

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
8 small flour tortillas
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your enchiladas.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, diced onions, cumin, garlic powder, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Fill the Tortillas

Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream and jalapeños if desired.

Enjoy your homemade enchiladas with your favorite toppings!

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

To achieve the best results, ensure that your tortillas are pliable. If they're too stiff, consider warming them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side before filling. This simple step makes rolling the tortillas easier and helps prevent them from cracking.

Don’t skimp on seasoning! The spices you use in the filling can significantly impact the overall flavor of your enchiladas. Taste the mixture before filling the tortillas and adjust the seasoning as necessary to suit your taste.

Nutrition Highlights

These Budget-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas are not only delicious but also provide a balanced meal. With protein from the chicken and black beans, plus fiber from the beans and tortillas, they offer a nutritious option that keeps you satisfied.

You can easily make these enchiladas even healthier by using whole wheat tortillas or adding more vegetables to the filling. Consider including bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider serving these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad. The rice adds a nice texture and complements the flavors of the enchiladas, while the salad provides a refreshing crunch.

You can also create a fun taco night by offering various toppings on the side. Set out bowls of sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce, allowing everyone to customize their enchiladas to their liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great in this recipe.

→ Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables or beans.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just cover tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.