Introducing a timeless classic straight from the pages of The Milwaukee Journal, the Chicken Enchilada Pie, a dish crafted with care by a Mexican-American culinary enthusiast aiming to capture the cherished flavors of her mother’s cherished chicken enchiladas. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฒ๐ฝโจ
This culinary endeavor may demand a touch of your time, but trust me, the flavor-packed journey is well worth every minute invested. With a symphony of spices and ingredients dancing in harmony, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner table to new heights of satisfaction. ๐
Let’s delve into the heart of this gastronomic masterpiece, shall we? First, gather your ingredients and prepare yourself for a delightful culinary adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| 2 tbsp olive oil |
| 1/4 – 1/2 cup finely chopped onion |
| 1 minced garlic clove |
| 2 tbsp flour |
| 1/4 tsp ground cumin |
| 1/4 tsp pepper |
| 1 1/2 cups chicken broth |
| 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken |
| 1/4 cup diced green chilies |
| 1/2 tsp dried oregano |
| Salt, to taste |
| 12 corn tortillas |
| 1 lb boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded |
| 2 – 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese |
| 8 – 10 oz diced tomatoes |
| 1 cup salsa |
Now, let’s embark on our culinary journey:
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Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick vegetable spray, ensuring each corner is generously coated to prevent sticking.
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Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, covering the pan and allowing them to cook over low heat until the onion is wonderfully wilted, a process that typically takes about 5 minutes. Remember to check halfway through to ensure our aromatic ingredients aren’t browning too quickly.
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With the heat still on medium, stir in flour, ground cumin, and pepper, allowing them to mingle and toast for approximately 2 minutes. This step helps to coax out the rawness from the flour and infuses our sauce with layers of flavor.
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As the flour begins to take on a golden hue, it’s time to work our magic! Gradually add the chicken broth to the pan, employing the aid of a trusty wire whisk to ensure smooth incorporation. This step is crucial for achieving a velvety, luscious sauce that will coat every inch of our enchilada pie with flavor.
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Once the broth has been seamlessly integrated, it’s time to introduce the diced green chilies, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt to the party. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld and mingle in blissful harmony.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow it to simmer for a leisurely 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any unruly behavior. This simmering session is where the magic truly happens, as the flavors deepen and intensify, transforming into a symphony of taste sensations that will tantalize your taste buds.
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While our sauce simmers away, let’s turn our attention to assembling our enchilada pie. In our prepared baking dish, create layers of quartered corn tortillas, refried beans, cooked shredded chicken, our luscious sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this process three times, ensuring each layer is a delightful marriage of flavors and textures, culminating in a glorious crescendo of cheesy goodness.
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Once all layers are meticulously assembled, it’s time to cocoon our creation in a cozy blanket of aluminum foil, sealing in all the delectable flavors and aromas. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly, and the aroma permeates your kitchen with irresistible allure.
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As our enchilada pie basks in the warm embrace of the oven, take a moment to prepare your garnishes. A dollop of tangy sour cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the dish, creating a symphony of taste sensations that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
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Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the foil from our enchilada pie, allowing it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into generous portions. Serve with a flourish, garnishing each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a touch of vibrant color and flavor.
And there you have it, dear culinary adventurer โ a tantalizing Chicken Enchilada Pie that pays homage to tradition while delighting the senses with its bold flavors and comforting embrace. ๐ฅง๐ถ๏ธโจ So gather your loved ones, gather around the table, and indulge in a feast fit for royalty. After all, good food is meant to be shared and savored in the company of those we hold dear. Cheers to culinary adventures and the memories we create with each delicious bite! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
