Delicious Baked Enchilada Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners
This Baked Enchilada Chicken is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, zesty sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (Filleted to make 6 chicken pieces)
- 1 can green chili enchilada sauce (10 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve even cooking.
- While the oven is heating, spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Make sure they are evenly spaced, allowing the sauce to permeate each piece.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt and chili powder evenly over the chicken. This step is crucial for seasoning the chicken, so don’t rush it!
- Open the can of green chili enchilada sauce and pour it generously over the seasoned chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it should be white and opaque, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
- After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded Monterrey Jack cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch for a slight golden color on the cheese – that's when it's perfect!
- Once melted, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the enchilada sauce for an hour before baking. You can also substitute Monterrey Jack cheese with cheddar or a dairy-free option if needed.