The Best Chicken Enchiladas

These have to be the best chicken enchiladas that I have ever tasted!  They are quite spicy so if you don’t like a dish to be too hot reduce the amount of chilli powder and chillies.  This dish can be prepared in advance and placed in the oven when your guests arrive.    

• Difficulty: Medium
• Category: Comfort Food, Mid Week Meals
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Cooking Method: Oven Baked

Ingredients

• 900 ml chicken stock
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (peeled & finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp hot chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• salt & pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 garlic cloves (peeled & crushed)
• 400 g passata
• 3 green chillies (deseeded & finely chopped)
• 150 g mature cheddar cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp soured cream
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)

For the Enchilada sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tsp hot chilli powder
• 400 g passata
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 garlic clove (peeled & crushed)
• salt & pepper (freshly ground)

To serve

• soured cream
• 1 small bunch fresh coriander (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. In a large pan bring the chicken stock to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Place the chicken breasts in the pan, cover with the lid and let poach for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and leave in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred or cut into small bite sized pieces and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the onion, cook until softened. Add the herbs, spices, salt, pepper and garlic and gently fry until softened.
3. Add the passata and chillies, bring to the boil then add the shredded chicken. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, add a splash of water if the mixture becomes to dry.
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/400°F/gas mark 6.
5. For the Enchilada sauce, heat the oil in a pan and then add the flour and chilli powder. Stir over a medium to low heat for 2 minutes. Slowly add the passata stirring continuously to make sure you have a smooth consistency. Add the garlic and cumin and a dash of water if the sauce is too thick. Keep stirring and let simmer until it reduces to a thick tomato sauce, season to taste.
6. When the chicken mixture is ready add 1/3 of the grated cheese, sour cream and coriander, mix until the cheese has melted.
7. Lightly oil an oven proof dish, take a flour tortilla and place a 1/8 of the mixture inside and roll it. Place in the dish and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
8. Pour the Enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese begins to turn golden.
9. To serve, divide between serving plates and top with sour cream and a sprinkling of coriander, enjoy!