Name: Christmas Enchiladas
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or homemade); 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced (plus more for garnish); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce; 1 (10 oz) can green enchilada sauce; 12 corn tortillas (6-inch); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: sliced jalapeños, pomegranate seeds, or lime wedges for serving

'Tis the season for flavor! Meet your new favorite festive dinner: Christmas Enchiladas. These are absolutely dreamy-oozing with melty cheese, wrapped in tender tortillas, and smothered in both red AND green enchilada sauce for that merry, eye-catching holiday look.

The taste is rich, bold, and comforting, with a creamy chicken filling and just the right kick of spice. The double sauce not only looks amazing, but brings a zesty, tangy punch that makes every bite irresistible.

I love serving these on Christmas Eve or at any December party-everyone is wowed by the gorgeous presentation and cozy flavors. This recipe was inspired by a beloved family tradition and is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

If you want a showstopper that feels both decadent and low effort, these enchiladas are the answer. Get ready to hear "Can I have seconds?" all night long!

Festive Christmas Enchiladas bursting with melted cheese, red and green sauce, and fresh cilantro

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A festive, colorful dish that brightens up any table with classic red and green holiday flair
Easy to customize with your favorite protein or make it vegetarian
Perfect for prepping in advance-just bake before serving
Crowd-pleasing comfort food that's guaranteed to impress guests
The ultimate cozy, cheesy entree for holiday meals or winter gatherings

Key Ingredients for Christmas Enchiladas

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Red and Green Enchilada Sauces

These are the shining star of Christmas Enchiladas, giving the dish its signature festive look and two-for-one punch of flavor. Go for good-quality canned sauces for maximum convenience, or make your own if you prefer. If you're heat-sensitive, choose mild sauces-otherwise, a mix of mild and medium is delicious. Feel free to swap one for the other if you prefer just red or green.

Shredded Cooked Chicken

Chicken keeps the enchiladas hearty and tender, absorbing all the seasonings and sauce. Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut, but you can also use leftover turkey or roast your own. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.

Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese

Cheese is the glue that makes everything gooey, golden, and irresistible. I recommend a blend of mild Monterey Jack for creaminess and sharp cheddar for extra zip. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but shredding your own melts silkier.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas have unbeatable flavor and stay wonderfully tender after baking. Look for medium (6-inch) size. Warm them before filling so they roll easily and don't break. If you only have flour tortillas, you can use those, though the texture will be softer.

Fresh Cilantro and Green Onions

These add a final burst of color and fresh flavor that really lifts the rich dish. You can also use a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra sliced jalapeños for garnish if desired.

Instructions for Christmas Enchiladas

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Warm the Tortillas

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Quickly warm each tortilla for about 15 seconds per side until pliable-this will keep them from cracking when you roll them. Stack them on a plate and cover to keep warm.

Make the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, ½ cup cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the filling is creamy and evenly seasoned.

Fill and Roll the Enchiladas

Working one at a time, spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken filling into the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add the Sauces (Red and Green!)

Once all enchiladas are rolled and nestled in the dish, pour the red enchilada sauce over half of the enchiladas (lengthwise down the dish). Pour the green enchilada sauce over the other half. Use a spoon to gently spread, making sure they don't mix much in the middle for the prettiest presentation.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over all the enchiladas.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 22-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden at the edges.

Garnish and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes, then scatter with extra green onions, cilantro, and any desired garnishes like jalapeño slices or pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Christmas Enchiladas

Swap out the chicken for a mix of black beans, sautéed spinach, and corn for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You could also add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for extra holiday flair.

Super Saucy Version

Love extra sauce? Double the amount of red and green enchilada sauce for a more luscious, decadent casserole-style bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Creamier, Tex-Mex Style

For an ultra-creamy filling, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the chicken mixture. This works especially well with flour tortillas.

Make It Gluten-Free

Just make sure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check both enchilada sauces for any hidden wheat ingredients. Most brands are naturally gluten-free, but always confirm.

Spice It Up

Add a can of chopped green chiles or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicier kick, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Round out your Christmas Enchiladas with a festive spread! Pair them with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice, a bowl of refried or black beans, and a crunchy green salad tossed with creamy avocado. For extra holiday sparkle, sprinkle the enchiladas with pomegranate seeds and serve with lime wedges for squeezing at the table.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Christmas Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes. These enchiladas freeze beautifully-wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Enchiladas (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Christmas Enchiladas ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas (up to the baking step), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent soggy enchiladas?

A: Quickly warming and lightly frying the tortillas first helps them stay firm. Also, don't oversaturate with sauce before baking-add extra after baking if you like.

Q: Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

A: Definitely! Shredded turkey, ground beef, or even sautéed mushrooms all work well in this recipe. Use whatever sounds tastiest or is on hand.

Ready to make your holidays even more delicious? These Christmas Enchiladas are festive, flavorful, and destined to become a new tradition. I can't wait for you to wow your crowd! Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it-leave a comment or rating below!