Chicken Enchiladas (Rojo)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• corn or flour tortillas
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (will probably need more)
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese
• 2 cups easy Enchilada sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flower
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 1/4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions:

Enchilada Sauce:

1. In a small pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add flour and whisk together for 1 minute.
3. Add chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin and dried oregano and whisk together for 30 seconds.
4. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to make sure no big lumps form.
5. Add the tomato paste and whisk the enchilada sauce until completely smooth.
6. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat and serve.

Enchiladas:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/4 cup enchilada sauce and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix together and taste. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
2. If using corn tortillas:Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 1 minute, flipping the them halfway through until all of them are warm and pliable.If using flour tortillas:Microwave the tortillas on a plate for 1 minute, flipping them halfway through until all of them are warm and pliable.
3. Assemble the enchiladas by filling each tortilla evenly with the shredded chicken mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly to close and place in large baking dish seam side down.
4. Pour the remaining 1 3/4 cup enchilada sauce over the tortillas, top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve immediately and garnish with desired toppings.