Why You’ll Love these Homestyle Mexican Chicken Enchiladas
When you take your first bite of these homestyle Mexican chicken enchiladas, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my recipe collection.
The combination of tender shredded chicken, aromatic spices, and that incredible creamy sauce creates magic on your plate. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching cheese bubble to golden perfection on top while the tortillas underneath absorb all those complex flavors.
I’m obsessed with how versatile these enchiladas are—perfect for family dinners or impressive enough for guests who’ll think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when it’s actually quite straightforward.
The secret? Those two Campbell’s soups working together!
What Ingredients are in Homestyle Mexican Chicken Enchiladas?
These enchiladas bring together some of my favorite Mexican-inspired flavors in one comforting, cheesy dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of protein, spices, and that irresistible creamy sauce that ties everything together. What makes these enchiladas special is the combination of two different Campbell’s soups that create a rich base without hours of simmering from scratch—a brilliant shortcut for busy weeknights when you still want something that tastes like it took all day.
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion
- 2 diced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons diced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup
- 3 cups Kraft Mexican mixed cheeses
- 2 cups Monterey Jack pepper cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Tortillas (corn or flour will work)
When shopping for these ingredients, feel free to adjust based on your heat preference. Want more kick? Add extra diced green chilies or choose a spicier cheese blend. For the tortillas, traditional corn provides authentic flavor, but flour tortillas hold up well and are easier to roll without cracking. And while the recipe calls for specific Campbell’s soups, other cream soup varieties could work in a pinch—though the mushroom and chicken combination creates that perfect savory foundation that makes these enchiladas so crave-worthy. Remember, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged, if you have the extra couple minutes to grate it yourself.
How to Make these Homestyle Mexican Chicken Enchiladas
First, prepare your 3 boneless chicken breasts any way you prefer. For the best flavor, try pressure cooking them with some chicken broth, a medium diced onion, 2 garlic cloves, and half of your spices (1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano).
Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken, then mix it with the remaining spices including ground pepper. This seasoned chicken mixture will be the hearty filling for your enchiladas—and trust me, the more seasoning, the more flavorful they’ll be.
Now for the creamy sauce that makes these enchiladas so special. In a bowl, combine one 10.5-ounce can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, one 10.5-ounce can of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 3 tablespoons diced cilantro, and 1 1/2 cups of Kraft Mexican mixed cheeses.
This sauce is what transforms ordinary tortillas into something magical. Using premium Mexican appliances will elevate your enchilada-making experience with authentic results. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish. Spoon some chicken and a bit of sauce onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over top, making sure to cover all the tortillas, then sprinkle with 2 cups of Monterey Jack pepper cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top, and you’ll have a bubbling dish of comfort food that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Mexican restaurant.
Homestyle Mexican Chicken Enchiladas Substitutions and Variations
While this classic recipe is absolutely delicious as written, the beauty of homemade enchiladas lies in their adaptability to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary needs you’re accommodating.
Need a dairy-free version? Swap the cream soups for chicken broth thickened with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
You can substitute corn tortillas for flour if you’re going for a more authentic experience, though they’ll need a quick 10-second dip in hot oil to prevent cracking.
For a spicier kick, mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne into the filling or replace the green chilies with jalapeños.
The versatility here is simply endless!
What to Serve with Homestyle Mexican Chicken Enchiladas
A perfect Mexican fiesta deserves thoughtful accompaniments to complement those cheesy, saucy enchiladas waiting to be devoured.
I recommend serving cilantro-lime rice with its bright, zesty notes that cut through the rich enchilada sauce. A simple black bean salad with corn, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice makes an excellent side that adds texture and nutrition.
Don’t forget a crisp green salad dressed with avocado-lime vinaigrette!
For drinks, an ice-cold horchata or margarita completes the meal.
I’m always amazed how these sides transform enchiladas from merely delicious to an unforgettable dining experience.
Final Thoughts
After enjoying these enchiladas countless times in my kitchen, I’ve come to appreciate how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between authentic Mexican flavors and achievable home cooking.
The combination of creamy soups, tender shredded chicken, and that blanket of melted cheese creates something truly special that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I’m convinced the magic lies in those aromatic spices—cumin and Mexican oregano—that transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
While the recipe might seem involved, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like pulling that bubbling, golden-brown dish from the oven to brighten any dinner table.
