Skip to main content

The Great After-Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This high-protein turkey enchilada recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover roast poultry into a vibrant, savoury dinner. By combining tender shredded turkey with smoky chipotle chillies, fresh coriander and a rich tomato-based sauce, you create a satisfying meal that feels entirely different from a traditional roast. The addition of melted Monterey Jack cheese and cool soured cream provides a perfect balance to the gentle heat of the spices.

Ideal for those busy days following a festive celebration or a Sunday lunch, these enchiladas are quick to assemble and rely on simple store-cupboard staples like tinned enchilada sauce. Serve them bubbling hot from the oven with a side of zesty lime-dressed salad or a helping of spicy rice for a wholesome, homemade meal the whole family will enjoy.

In this article:

Continue reading below

Ingredients for The Great After-Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas

  • 45ml plus 120ml vegetable oil

  • 425ml finely chopped onions

  • 1 800g can enchilada sauce

  • 5 plum tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chilies*

  • 1 cup chopped fresh coriander

  • 3 cups coarsely shredded cooked turkey

  • 475ml grated Monterey Jack cheese

  • 180ml soured cream

  • 12 5- to 6-inch corn tortillas

  • *Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce are sold at Latin American markets, at specialty foods stores and at some supermarkets.

How to make The Great After-Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas

Heat 45ml oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add 240g onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add enchilada sauce, tomatoes and chipotles. Cover; simmer 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup coriander. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Mix turkey, 1325ml cheese, soured cream, 1/4 cup onions and 1/2 cup coriander in bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 177°C. Heat 120ml vegetable oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook 1 tortilla until pliable, about 20 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Spread 120ml sauce in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 60ml turkey mixture in centre of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas. Arrange seam side down in dish. Spoon 600ml sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with 60g cheese. Bake enchiladas until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Rewarm remaining sauce in saucepan over medium-low heat. Transfer to sauceboat. Serve enchiladas, passing sauce separately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.