Delicious on a Dime: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

One of our absolute favorite budget-friendly meals around here at The Hilltop Collective is a batch of homemade chicken enchiladas. They come together fairly quickly, are packed with flavor, and are incredibly satisfying! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch a rotisserie chicken into multiple meals.

What makes these enchiladas extra special (and budget-conscious) is the homemade sauce. Don’t let “homemade sauce” intimidate you – it’s surprisingly simple and allows you to control the spice level perfectly.

Making the Magic Sauce:

Forget those store-bought cans! Our sauce starts with a simple base and builds into something truly delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
• 3-4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat!)
• 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 cloves of garlic, grated on a microplane
• 1 teaspoon curry powder or cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of cinnamon (trust me on this one!)
• 3-4 Tablespoons tomato paste (I often grab Aldi’s sun-dried tomato paste in a tube for convenience)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock (bonus points if it’s homemade using a leftover chicken carcass!)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar

Let’s get saucy!

1. Heat the avocado oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder (or grated garlic), curry powder, salt, pepper, and that secret ingredient – the pinch of cinnamon.
3. Now, here’s the key: stir this mixture vigorously until it’s well combined. This is your roux, and you want to cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly, to get rid of any raw flour taste. Be vigilant – this has the potential to burn quickly, so keep that spoon moving!
4. Add the tomato paste to the pan and continue to stir vigorously until it’s fully incorporated into the spice mixture.
5. Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Finally, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. This little touch of acidity brightens up the sauce and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Give it one last stir and then remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

The Enchilada Assembly Line:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together!

You’ll also need:

• 2 cups of shredded cheese (I love a combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack, grated fresh!)
• About half of a cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded (we’ll save the rest for another meal!)
• 5-6 store-bought tortillas (corn or flour, your preference!)

Let’s assemble:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
3. One at a time, dip each tortilla shell into the warm enchilada sauce, coating both sides. This softens the tortilla and adds a ton of flavor.
4. Place a spoonful or two of shredded chicken and a sprinkle of your freshly grated cheese down the center of the sauced tortilla.
5. Wrap the tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in your prepared casserole dish.
6. Once all the enchiladas are rolled and in the dish, pour any remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the enchiladas.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The enchiladas should be heated through.

Budget-Friendly Bonus:

One of the reasons we love this meal so much is how it stretches our grocery budget. A rotisserie chicken from Costco costs around $4.98 and provides us with the protein for two different meals! Using about half for these enchiladas leaves the rest for salads, sandwiches, or another quick dinner later in the week. Talk about getting the most bang for your buck!

And don’t forget that chicken carcass! Once you’ve used the meat, toss the bones and any remaining bits into an airtight bag and freeze it. It’s the perfect start to a flavorful and free homemade chicken stock!

While store-bought tortillas make this meal a breeze on a busy weeknight, don’t forget that homemade tortillas are also a budget-friendly and delicious option if you have a little extra time.

These homemade chicken enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful, and wallet-friendly meal that our whole family enjoys. I hope you give them a try and make them a staple in your own kitchen!

What are your favorite ways to stretch a rotisserie chicken? Share your tips in the comments below!