Imagine a Mexican-inspired dish that transforms ordinary chicken enchiladas into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that'll make your taste buds dance! This Tequila Lime Enchilada Bake is not just another dinner recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the zesty kick of lime, the bold spirit of tequila, and the comforting warmth of classic enchiladas. Perfect for those nights when you want to escape the ordinary and dive into a meal that's both exciting and incredibly satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Enchilada Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, tequila, and lime juice. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of the shredded cheese with the chopped cilantro. This will add a fresh flavor to the cheese layer of your bake.
- Take one corn tortilla and spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the center. Sprinkle a little of the cheese and cilantro mixture on top of the chicken.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Once all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the baking dish, pour any remaining chicken mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the entire dish, ensuring it's evenly distributed for a nice cheesy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during the initial cooking phase.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the enchilada bake from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Tequila Lime Enchilada Bake!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality tequila and fresh lime juice – the difference is noticeable!
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the tequila-lime sauce for at least 15 minutes before assembling the enchiladas for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best taste, and don't be shy about chopping it generously.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to use corn tortillas and warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
- For a crispy top, broil the enchiladas for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer.
- Serve with additional lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
