• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Homemade In The Kitchen

A Food Blog With Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two Made From Scratch

Header Right

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

April 30, 2015

Salsa Chicken Enchiladas

Share this post → Email this to someone
email
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
Share on Yummly
Yummly

No need to run out to a Mexican restaurant when you can make these easy Salsa Chicken Enchiladas at home! Recipe for a homemade enchilada sauce with a special ingredient also included.


Salsa Chicken Enchiladas with a homemade enchilada sauce

Lately I’ve been craving chicken enchiladas, which is a little unusual for me because Mexican cuisine is probably one of my least favorites.

That’s not to say I hate it because I don’t; I would rather eat Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern food before I choose Mexican, probably because I rarely had those cuisines growing up where as I had Mexican a lot. My mom loved going out to Mexican restaurants for her birthday.

Then when I took Spanish class in high school, we would often have evening field trips to a local Mexican restaurant and even had a nice Spanish dinner on a boat cruising one of the three rivers in Pittsburgh.

Now I can’t remember the last time I went out for a nice Mexican dinner (unless you count the local Pittsburgh taco truck). Sounds like I’m due for some excellent Mexican food!

Since I’m trying to cut back on my food spending budget, when I have the urge to go out for a specific meal, I make an effort to replicate it at home. These Salsa Chicken Enchiladas have been on my mind for quite some time, and since Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon, I decided it was about time I made and shared them with you.

The best part is they cost less and take less time to make than going out to eat. I took some flour tortillas and stuffed them with chicken, black beans, corn, lots of cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce spiced with homemade fajita seasoning. Pop them all in the oven for about 20 minutes, and now dinner is ready.


Salsa Chicken Enchiladas stuffed with black beans and corn

I knew I wanted chicken to be my starring protein for the enchiladas, but I also needed the filling to be more satisfying. Not only are black beans and corn relatively inexpensive, they also help bulk up the enchiladas so you aren’t still hungry after eating.

You can also serve your enchiladas with a side of Homemade Spanish Rice or nachos served with Nacho Cheese Dip for an appetizer.


Salsa Chicken Enchiladas with a homemade enchilada sauce

Traditionally, homemade enchilada sauce is made with tomato sauce. However, I got the brilliant idea to substitute in some salsa to bring another level of flavor to the sauce. I used a homestyle salsa, but you can pretty much use any flavor you want, including roasted garlic and pico de gallo.
Salsa Chicken Enchiladas

Salsa Chicken Enchiladas

Yield: 4-6
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Menu planning tip: You can make the enchilada sauce up to 3 days ahead of time.

Ingredients

Enchilada Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup Sabra salsa, any flavor

Enchiladas

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, patted dry and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen
  • 6 fajita-sized flour tortillas (roughly 7 inches in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 green onions, chopped (reserve some of the green part for garnish)

Instructions

  1. For the enchilada sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Once hot, whisk in the flour mixture. Slowly whisk in the broth. Whisk in the salsa then bring to a boil. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  2. Preheat oven to 350F. Have a 13x9 pan or similar casserole dish ready.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for 3 minutes then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
  4. Reserve 1/2 cup enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup cheese for the top. Stir the black beans and corn into the rest of the sauce.
  5. Add roughly 2 tablespoons of the black bean mixture on top of 1 tortilla. Top with some of the cooked chicken, cheese, and green onion. Fold up the enchilada and place into the pan. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  6. Top the enchiladas in the pan with the reserved sauce and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Garnish with green onion. Serve immediately.
© Carla Cardello (www.chocolatemoosey.com)

More Enchilada Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas For Two – When you want beef enchiladas instead of chicken
  • Chicken Enchilada Dip – When you want chicken enchiladas without having to roll
  • Meaty Enchilada Chili Dip from Foxes Love Lemons. In case you want a beef dip instead of chicken.
Share this post → Email this to someone
email
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
Share on Yummly
Yummly

Filed Under: Chicken + Turkey, Main Dishes Tagged With: black beans, broth/stock, cheddar cheese, chili powder, cinco de mayo, corn, cumin, green onion, salsa, tortillas

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber @ The Bewitched Baker says

    April 30, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    I just love the rich flavors of Sabra products. They really add a kick of flavor to the dish. Enchiladas are a great, quick-and-easy dinner as well. Yummy!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:18 PM

      They sure do! Pico de gallo is my favorite and can’t wait to make the enchilada sauce again with it. Thanks, Amber!

      Reply
  2. Lee says

    April 30, 2015 at 7:55 AM

    I LOVEEEEEE Mexican food. YUM!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:18 PM

      Me too! Thanks, Lee

      Reply
  3. heather @french press says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    we are definitely a mexican cuisine eating family – the kids LOVE taco Tuesday – this would be a perfect addition to our weekly rotation

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:19 PM

      Oh I bet they’ll love the change up with enchiladas. Kinda like tacos but a little messier (in a good way) :)

      Reply
  4. Aimee @ ShugarySweets says

    April 30, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    That Sabra Salsa is INSANELY good. I love these enchiladas- PINNED :)

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:19 PM

      Thanks, Aimee!

      Reply
  5. Cheryl Illinois says

    April 30, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Again, we are very similar. Mexican is my least favorite food but if the rest of the people want to go for Mexican I can always have tacos or quesideas. Middle Eastern is definitely my favorite with Italian being close behind and Indian. I do like salsa ttho and I will try Sabra because they help to sponsor you.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:22 PM

      Ironically I’m not a huge Italian fan even though I’m half Italian! I think it’s because I make it all the time. I hope you do get to try Sabra. My favorites are the Mango Peach and Pico de Gallo, so if it’s your first time trying it, look for those flavors (I like all of them but those ones stand out).

      Reply
  6. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says

    May 1, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    Carla,
    I’m not a fan of the heat in some Mexican food but I love enchiladas. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Pinned.
    Annamaria

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:23 PM

      What’s great with this recipe is that you can control the amount of heat with the salsa you use. The Sabra mild ones are not spicy at all, so those may be a great start.

      Reply
  7. Carolyn says

    May 4, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:24 PM

      Agreed! Thanks, Carolyn.

      Reply
  8. Alida says

    May 4, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    Using salsa in the enchilada sauce is a genius idea. Can’t wait to make these!!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:24 PM

      Not going to lie – I was excited when I came up with it ;) Thanks, Alida!

      Reply
  9. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    May 5, 2015 at 2:07 AM

    We could eat Mexican twice a week. I think I’ll put this on tomorrow’s menu!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:24 PM

      Enjoy! Thanks, Dorothy :)

      Reply
  10. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says

    May 5, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    I grew up eating a lot of Mexican food, too, and the only thing I still really crave once in awhile in enchiladas. Unfortunately, there aren’t any good Mexican restaurants near where i love now :( I’ve actually never made homemade enchilada sauce (just been disappointed with the can stuff from time to time), so I’m definitely bookmarking this!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 3:25 PM

      Pittsburgh doesn’t have great Mexican places either. The ones we do have aren’t really near me if I want to go out for Mexican right now. Enchilada sauce is so easy and hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  11. Cheryl Illinois says

    May 5, 2015 at 6:10 PM

    But Sabra just had a recall didn’t they? Peach mango sounds like I would love it. If I can find I will try it.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      May 5, 2015 at 6:44 PM

      They had a recall on their classic hummus, but it was out of precaution and nobody ended up in the hospital. I’ve been working with them closely on this, and everything is ok now. Their salsas were never affected. I hope you can find the mango peach salsa!

      Reply
  12. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

    May 5, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    This looks fantastic, heaven in a casserole pan.

    Reply
  13. Lauren Kelly Nutrition says

    May 7, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    This looks like perfect dinner!

    Reply
  14. Reenie says

    April 21, 2018 at 4:59 PM

    Carla,
    I LOVE your site and have made many of your delish recipes. Made the fajita seasoning mix and went on your site to find a good chicken enchilada recipe to use. BINGO!! Am going to make it right now. Thanks for your hard work and for sharing about yourself, Loved the nachos/cheese after the Steelers game walking in the snow!!
    Bon Appetit!
    Reenie

    Reply
    • Carla says

      April 23, 2018 at 12:27 PM

      Glad you’re enjoying the recipes and the story! Let me know what you think of the enchiladas.

      Reply
  15. Rudy says

    January 19, 2019 at 3:56 PM

    Sorry to inform you. traditional Enchilada sauce has no tomato sauce or tomato products in it at all. Mexican food though, is more of a feeling than a regional cuisine. Dont get me wrong, I am very sure that every “region” probably feels the same way, lol. We have our own takes on our ancestors recipes which for the most part, in our family at least, have been passed down through the years/generations. Enchiladas can be made any way with pretty much any sauce and or fillings. I sometimes even add the kitchen sink…. Your recipe sounds good and I’ll have to try it out.

    Restaurant Owner
    Cook
    Life long Mexican
    “The way to a womans heart is my cooking”

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 21, 2019 at 10:52 AM

      Thank you for the insight. The recipe is based off of a red enchilada sauce.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Nice To Meet You!
I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree single woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

Learn more →
Subscribe
Disclosures and Disclaimers

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Christmas Dinner For Two! Menu includes recipes for two and small batch recipes of your favorite Christmas dishes

Christmas Dinner For Two

Not hosting a huge Christmas this year? Here is your ultimate guide to Christmas Dinner For Two! Menu includes recipes for two and small batch recipes of your favorite Christmas dishes.Happy ...

Read More

Love to bake cookies from scratch? Here are the Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes to add to your cookie tray this holiday season.

Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes

Love to bake cookies from scratch? Here are the Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes to add to your cookie tray this holiday season.With December around the corner, that means one ...

Read More

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving warm cookies but don't want to make a large batch? This easy recipe for Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies makes a half batch of homemade cookies, perfect to serve as dessert for two ...

Read More

Sausage Mushroom Pasta with rigatoni and a creamy white Alfredo sauce is a hearty and comforting dinner for two.

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta (Dinner For Two)

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta with rigatoni and a creamy white Alfredo sauce is a hearty and comforting dinner for two. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.Disclosure: This post is ...

Read More

No bake Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats made in a loaf pan

Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

Whether you have leftover cereal or are tired of the heat, these no bake Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats made in a loaf pan are the ideal ooey gooey dessert.Growing up, I ate packaged rice ...

Read More

Small Batch Blueberry Jam No Pectin recipe

Small Batch Blueberry Jam Without Pectin

Want to learn how to make homemade jam? This quick and easy Small Batch Blueberry Jam without pectin is the perfect recipe for beginners and only makes one 6-ounce jar. Spread it on toast for ...

Read More

Creamy Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip (Small Batch)

Bacon Cheeseburger Dip (Small Batch)

Make cheese dip more exciting to eat by making creamy skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip with cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and paprika.This post is sponsored by ...

Read More

Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake for two people

Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake

Need a birthday cake to celebrate? This Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake for two with buttercream frosting and sprinkles helps make life a little sweeter. Recipe made from scratch without cake ...

Read More

Small Batch Buttercream Frosting makes enough to frost 6 cupcakes or one 6 inch cake.

Small Batch Buttercream Frosting

Want to make the best buttercream recipe but tired of throwing away leftover frosting? Look no further than this Small Batch Buttercream Frosting! Makes enough to frost 6 cupcakes or one 6 inch ...

Read More

Copyright© 2019 · Designed by Deluxe Designs

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Christmas Dinner For Two! Menu includes recipes for two and small batch recipes of your favorite Christmas dishes

Christmas Dinner For Two

Not hosting a huge Christmas this year? Here is your ultimate guide to Christmas Dinner For Two! Menu includes recipes for two and small batch recipes of your favorite Christmas dishes.Happy ...

Read More

Love to bake cookies from scratch? Here are the Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes to add to your cookie tray this holiday season.

Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes

Love to bake cookies from scratch? Here are the Best Small Batch Christmas Cookie Recipes to add to your cookie tray this holiday season.With December around the corner, that means one ...

Read More

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving warm cookies but don't want to make a large batch? This easy recipe for Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies makes a half batch of homemade cookies, perfect to serve as dessert for two ...

Read More

Sausage Mushroom Pasta with rigatoni and a creamy white Alfredo sauce is a hearty and comforting dinner for two.

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta (Dinner For Two)

Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta with rigatoni and a creamy white Alfredo sauce is a hearty and comforting dinner for two. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.Disclosure: This post is ...

Read More

No bake Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats made in a loaf pan

Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

Whether you have leftover cereal or are tired of the heat, these no bake Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats made in a loaf pan are the ideal ooey gooey dessert.Growing up, I ate packaged rice ...

Read More

Small Batch Blueberry Jam No Pectin recipe

Small Batch Blueberry Jam Without Pectin

Want to learn how to make homemade jam? This quick and easy Small Batch Blueberry Jam without pectin is the perfect recipe for beginners and only makes one 6-ounce jar. Spread it on toast for ...

Read More

Creamy Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip (Small Batch)

Bacon Cheeseburger Dip (Small Batch)

Make cheese dip more exciting to eat by making creamy skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip with cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and paprika.This post is sponsored by ...

Read More

Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake for two people

Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake

Need a birthday cake to celebrate? This Small 6 Inch Funfetti Cake for two with buttercream frosting and sprinkles helps make life a little sweeter. Recipe made from scratch without cake ...

Read More

Small Batch Buttercream Frosting makes enough to frost 6 cupcakes or one 6 inch cake.

Small Batch Buttercream Frosting

Want to make the best buttercream recipe but tired of throwing away leftover frosting? Look no further than this Small Batch Buttercream Frosting! Makes enough to frost 6 cupcakes or one 6 inch ...

Read More

Copyright© 2019 · Designed by Deluxe Designs