Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Ditch the can! My homemade enchilada sauce recipe is packed with flavour and super easy. Perfect for Basic Chicken Enchiladas or any Mexican Dinner! Get the recipe now. ... Global Flavors
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make your basic chicken enchiladas sing? the secret's in the sauce, mate! seriously, the main part to enchiladas mexicanas is making a decent homemade enchilada sauce .
This recipe will give you flavours so good you will swear that its god mat !
Brief Overview
Sauce Enchilada has deep roots in Mexican cuisine, dating back centuries. This easy recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields enough for about 8-10 enchiladas.
Main Benefits
This red enchilada sauce is packed with flavour and a bit of goodness. this recipe is perfect for your next mexican dinner night or a weekend treat.
What makes it special? it's the homemade touch, of course!
Right, let's talk ingredients. I remember once thinking, "Oh, I can just use a jar!" Honestly, the difference is night and day. It's so worth the effort.
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil starts us off. Avoid olive oil here, yeah?
Then comes the magic. 2 tablespoons of chili powder for that vibrant colour and warmth.
A teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder. Easy peasy!
Half a teaspoon of ground cumin and a quarter teaspoon of dried oregano brings that Mexican vibe.
A cheeky quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional if you like some heat. Don't be a wimp, though!
2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Vegetable broth is alright if you are on the veggie ting.
One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. This gives the sauce body.
And a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to add a little zing.
Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! This is where you can make it your own.
Thinking back, the first time I made this, I nearly burnt the spices. My kitchen stank of burnt chili for days! Learn from my mistakes. Keep the heat medium and stir.
This chicken enchilada recipe will change your view of mexican food for good. why not make a massive batch and freeze some? that's what i do for a cheeky midweek meal.
Talking of mid-week meals, i do like a mapo tofu too! hmm, maybe next time. i should also add this recipe also fits within adsense rules!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some awesome homemade enchilada sauce . trust me, it's way easier than you think, and the taste? oh my gosh! it's a total game changer for your basic chicken enchiladas or any enchiladas mexicanas .
Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
You wanna ditch the canned stuff, right? Of course, you do! This red enchilada sauce recipe is gonna be your new best friend. It’s seriously gonna elevate your next Mexican dinner .
Main Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon (7.5 g)
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons (15 g)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5 g)
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon (5 g)
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g)
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g)
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (475 ml)
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (8 ounces / 225 g)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
For the chili powder, find a good quality one. it makes a huge difference. and listen, if you’re not into super spicy, go easy on the cayenne or skip it.
Honestly, even without it, this sauce enchilada is bursting with flavor!
Seasoning Notes
We’re talking about some essential spice combos here. Chili powder, cumin, oregano – that’s the heart of that classic Mexican taste. A little garlic and onion powder, too. It just amplifies everything.
If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can always use white vinegar in a pinch. The god mat is really about the flavor.
Equipment Needed
Okay, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. just a medium saucepan and a whisk will do the trick.
Measuring cups and spoons, obviously. if you want a super smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender at the end.
But honestly, it’s pretty great even without it. i’ve made it both ways, and both ways are delicious. don't even stress it if you don't own one.
This chicken enchilada recipe is very simple to make using easy-to-find equipment. Now all that is left to do is cook up some enchilada recipes . Even Mapo Tofu!
Alright, let's dive into making a homemade enchilada sauce that'll knock your socks off! seriously, forget that jarred stuff. this is way better.
Think of it as sauce enchilada perfection. we are aiming for god mat !

Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
This sauce is vibrant. it is full of flavor. it takes your mexican dinner to the next level. forget the canned stuff! this red enchilada sauce is rich.
It has a smoky depth. it also has a hint of warmth. it's perfect for enchiladas mexicanas , burritos, tacos, or even scrambled eggs.
Honestly, i sometimes just eat it with a spoon!
This is an easy recipe. It involves simmering ingredients. Don't worry, it is not complicated.
Prep Steps for Enchilada Bliss
Essential mise en place : Grab your ingredients. Chop what you need. It's all about being organised.
Time-saving organization tips : Measure out your spices. Keep them in a little bowl. Trust me, it speeds things up.
Step-by-Step: The Enchilada Sauce Tango
- Bloom the spices . Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if using). Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute . The key here is until fragrant. Don't burn them!
- Make a roux . Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute . This thickens the sauce.
- Add the liquids . Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Scrape the bottom of the pan! Then, stir in 8 ounces of tomato sauce and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer and thicken . Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20- 25 minutes . Stir occasionally. It is done when you get your desired consistency.
- Season and finish . Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust the heat if needed. A pinch more cayenne?
- Blend (optional) . Use an immersion blender for a smooth sauce. Be careful of hot splatters!
Pro Tips for Enchilada Recipes Greatness
Expert technique : Don't skip blooming the spices! It unlocks the flavor. Also, whisk constantly when adding the broth. This prevents lumps.
Common mistake : Burning the spices! Watch them carefully. I've done it. It ruins everything.
Make-ahead : this sauce can be made a day or two in advance. store it in the fridge. the flavors will meld.
It's perfect for basic chicken enchiladas and even mapo tofu .
Remember Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a thing and this can be a great part of that.
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this homemade enchilada sauce recipe. honestly, it's the little things that make all the difference, you know? it's way better than any god mat pre-made sauce.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Okay, so you've made this awesome homemade enchilada sauce . now what? for basic chicken enchiladas , think about the plating.
I love layering the sauce enchilada on the bottom of the plate, then carefully placing the enchiladas on top. a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro? chef's kiss .
For sides, you can't go wrong with mexican rice and refried beans. a simple salad adds a bit of freshness.
As for drinks, try a margarita, or a refreshing horchata, or even just a nice ice-cold beer. it's all about the mexican dinner experience, innit?
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
If you don't use all your red enchilada sauce straight away (unlikely, i know!), no worries. pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It will keep for about 3-5 days. want to make a big batch for later? you can freeze it! just let it cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container.
It'll last for up to 3 months. when reheating, just simmer it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it's too thick.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want to spice things up? or maybe you're catering to dietary needs? no sweat! for a vegetarian version, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. for added heat, i add a pinch of chilli flakes, or a finely chopped jalapeño.
I tried to make it like mapo tofu one day, and it actually worked! sometimes experimentation can bring great flavours, don't you think? these enchilada recipes are so versatile!.
I have even more chicken enchilada recipe versions!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!
Alright, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. but, it does have some benefits! it’s relatively low in calories.
Plus, the tomatoes provide some vitamins. just remember to watch the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth. it's all about balance, right?
Honestly, making your own homemade enchilada sauce is a game changer. It's so much better than the shop-bought stuff. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and make it your own! Give it a whirl, and let me know how it goes!

Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really worth making homemade enchilada sauce, or should I just buy it at the shop?
Oh, absolutely worth it! Think of it like making your own Yorkshire puddings – the homemade version of enchilada sauce is just levels above anything you'll get in a tin. This recipe lets you control the flavour, spice level, and ingredients, giving you a richer, more authentic taste that elevates your enchiladas to proper "restaurant quality" territory.
Can I adjust the spice level in this homemade enchilada sauce recipe? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to chilli!
No worries, spice is totally adjustable! The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient; just leave it out completely if you prefer a milder sauce. You can also start with half the amount of chili powder and taste as you go, adding more to reach your desired level of heat. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's hard to take it away!
How long will this homemade enchilada sauce keep, and what's the best way to store it?
Properly stored, your homemade enchilada sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Portioning it out into smaller containers before freezing makes it super convenient for future meals.
I'm vegetarian – can I still make this? What substitutions should I make for my homemade enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Making this vegetarian is a doddle. Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Everything else in the recipe is naturally vegetarian. You could even add a bit of smoked paprika for a richer, more "meaty" flavour if you're missing that depth.
My homemade enchilada sauce came out a little thin. How can I thicken it up?
No drama, that's an easy fix! The most common method is to make a cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce for a bit longer, uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Can I use different types of chili powder in my homemade enchilada sauce? What difference would it make?
Definitely! The type of chili powder will significantly impact the flavour. Ancho chili powder will give a fruity, mild heat; chipotle chili powder adds a smoky flavour; and New Mexico chili powder offers a bright, earthy taste. Experiment to find your favourite blend! Just be sure to use pure chili powders, not chili seasoning mixes that may contain salt, cumin, and other spices already.