If you love the cozy warmth of Indian spices and the comforting familiarity of Mexican flavors, this Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is going to be your new favorite dinner. It brilliantly combines the creamy, spiced goodness of traditional butter chicken with the cheesy, saucy appeal of enchiladas, creating a dish that feels both exciting and completely satisfying. Each bite brings together tender chicken coated in luscious butter chicken sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas, and finished with melted cheese for the ultimate fusion comfort food experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is delightfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that each have a starring role. From the tender chicken to the rich butter chicken sauce and melty cheeses, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that make these enchiladas irresistible.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Use tender chicken cooked just right to soak up all the buttery, spiced sauce.
- Butter chicken sauce (1 cup): Either store-bought or homemade, this sauce delivers the creamy, tangy heat that’s key to the dish.
- Flour tortillas 8-inch (8 pieces): Soft and pliable tortillas act as the perfect vessel for the filling and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides gooey, stretchy meltiness that enchiladas are all about.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the richness of the mozzarella and sauce.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that lifts the whole dish.
- Butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Brushing on tortillas keeps them soft and adds subtle richness.
How to Make Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by tossing the shredded cooked chicken with half of your butter chicken sauce. This ensures every piece is evenly coated in that luscious, spicy-sweet flavor which is the heart of this recipe. Mixing the chicken with the sauce now means it’ll be flavorful right through and through once baked.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
Warm your flour tortillas gently until they’re soft and easy to roll. This prevents cracking and tearing, making for neat, perfectly rolled enchiladas that hold the filling snugly without bursting open during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon an equal portion of the butter chicken-coated chicken down the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly to enclose the filling, then place each seam-side down in your greased baking dish. This secures the roll and helps maintain a tidy presentation after baking.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining butter chicken sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring each one is nicely covered. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top to create a delicious golden, bubbly crust after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated oven set to 375°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt into gooey perfection and the flavors will come together in harmony. Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes for easier serving and better flavor blending.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top is not just decorative—it adds a lively burst of fresh herb flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and rich cheese. You can also consider a drizzle of yogurt or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
Side Dishes
Butter Chicken Enchiladas pair wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. A simple cucumber salad or a light carrot slaw can add refreshing crunch and balance to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these enchiladas in individual ramekins or rolling them up as mini hand-held bites for a party snack. You can also layer the components in a casserole dish for a no-roll version that’s just as delicious and easier to make in bulk.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy, flavorful next-day meal.
Freezing
These enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble them and bake halfway through, then cool and freeze in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and finish baking until hot and bubbly. This makes them perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the cheese melty and the tortillas soft. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil toward the end for that perfect golden top. Microwaving works in a pinch but may change texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I make the butter chicken sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade butter chicken sauce with cream, butter, and aromatic spices will elevate the dish even more, but store-bought sauces work wonderfully for convenience without compromising flavor.
What if I don’t have mozzarella and cheddar cheese?
You can substitute with any melty cheeses you have on hand, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses. Just choose ones that melt well to keep that gooey enchilada texture.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas hold better for rolling and baking in this recipe, but if you prefer corn tortillas, warm them thoroughly and handle gently. You might want to spray them with a bit of oil to prevent brittleness.
How spicy is this Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, balanced by the creamy sauce. You can always add a pinch of garam masala or chili powder to the chicken mixture to turn up the heat if you like it spicier.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
While the classic uses chicken, you can substitute cooked paneer or sauteed vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version with all the warmth and creaminess of butter chicken flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining the best of Indian and Mexican cuisines in this Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your cooking rotation—you’re going to love how easy and flavorful it is!
Print
Butter Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Mexican)
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A delicious fusion dish combining creamy Indian butter chicken with classic Mexican enchiladas, featuring shredded chicken rolled in soft flour tortillas, topped with rich butter chicken sauce and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup butter chicken sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 1/2 cup butter chicken sauce (remaining)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing tortillas)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of the butter chicken sauce until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated for rich flavor.
- Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon an equal amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish to keep them intact during baking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining butter chicken sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top evenly to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For richer flavor, make the butter chicken sauce homemade using cream and butter.
- Add a pinch of garam masala to the chicken mixture to enhance the spice profile.
- Serve alongside rice or naan for a complete meal experience.
