Prepare Chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken and sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat Skillet: Drizzle the olive oil and heat in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken and let it cook for 3 minutes on each side, just enough for a sear. Pour in the chicken broth, add the smashed garlic cloves, quartered onion, and bayleaf. Cover and let the chicken cook in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees internally and is cooked through.
Prepare Enchilada Sauce: While the chicken cooks prepare the enchilada sauce. (If using canned sauce warm the sauce in a medium size skillet..this makes it easier to dip the tortillas).
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet, shred using a fork, then return to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the remaining sauce in the skillet. Let sit and keep warm on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, to get good flavor throughout the chicken.
Preheat: Preheat oven to 350℉. Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the baking dish and spread around to coat the bottom of the dish.
Heat Oil: Pour oil for enchiladas into a small skillet and heat over medium heat (oil should sizzle when tortilla is dipped into it).
Fry Tortillas: Briefly fry a corn tortilla in the hot oil, just enough to warm and soften the tortilla, about 5-7 seconds on each side, not enough to make the tortilla crispy.
Dip the fried tortilla into the enchilada sauce to coat both sides.
Fill Tortillas: Lay the tortilla down on a clean work surface (cutting board-for easy cleanup!) and layer shredded cheese and shredded chicken.
Roll the tortilla and place in the baking dish, seam side down.
Continue until all tortillas are used/or the baking dish is full.
Top the Enchiladas: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the tortillas. Top with extra remaining shredded cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until all of the cheese is melted and the top is melted and bubbling.
Serve the enchiladas while warm and garnish with desired toppings.