Christmas-Style Enchiladas Recipe

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Christmas-Style Enchiladas Recipe

Celebrate the festive season with Christmas-Style Enchiladas, a colorful dish featuring both red and green sauces to represent the classic holiday colors. This delicious dish is filled with tender chicken, melted cheese, and bold flavors that will brighten any dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Taco seasoning or southwestern rub (as needed)
  • 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup flame-roasted chilies (drained)

For the Enchiladas

  • 2 packages corn tortillas (about 12 tortillas)
  • 8 ounces Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella (shredded)
  • 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives (drained)
  • 1 jar red enchilada sauce
  • 1 jar green enchilada sauce

For Garnish

  • 1 bunch green onions (chopped, divided)

Instructions

🔥 1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken thighs with your favorite taco seasoning or southwestern rub, coating them evenly on all sides.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Grill or pan-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.

🍳 2. Prepare the Filling

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and tender.
  3. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Stir in the tomato bouillon and chicken broth, along with a pinch of black pepper.
  5. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly.
  6. Add the chopped chicken, roasted chilies, and half of the shredded cheese to the onion mixture. Stir to combine.

🌮 3. Prepare the Tortillas

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Lightly fry each corn tortilla in a small amount of hot oil for 10-15 seconds per side, just until pliable.
  3. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.

🌈 4. Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Pour the green enchilada sauce into one shallow dish and the red enchilada sauce into another.
  2. Dip each tortilla in one of the sauces (6 in the green sauce and 6 in the red sauce).
  3. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
  4. Arrange the 6 red enchiladas on one side and the 6 green enchiladas on the other side of the baking dish.

🧀 5. Add Toppings

  1. Pour the remaining green sauce over the green enchiladas and the remaining red sauce over the red enchiladas.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over both sets of enchiladas.
  3. Top with ¾ of the chopped green onions and all of the black olive slices.

🔥 6. Bake the Enchiladas

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.

🌿 7. Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with the remaining green onions.
  2. Serve hot with a side of rice, beans, or tortilla chips.

Tips for Success

  • Custom Fillings: Swap chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
  • Cheese Choices: If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese, use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
  • Frying the Tortillas: Light frying keeps the tortillas pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolled.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake them when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of guacamole and chips.
  • Garnishes: Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices for added freshness.
  • Drinks: Pair with a refreshing agua fresca, margarita, or Mexican beer.

With vibrant colors, rich flavors, and a satisfying combination of chicken, cheese, and sauce, Christmas-Style Enchiladas will surely bring joy to your table. Whether it’s the holidays or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress! 🎉🌮

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