Creamy Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas bring unexpected magic to traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine, changeing ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

These delightful rolled tortillas combine creamy, tangy elements with robust protein in a harmonious blend that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Soft, pillowy tortillas cradle a rich filling that balances classic savory notes with luxurious cream cheese complexity.

Each enchilada promises a comforting embrace of flavors that dance between familiar and innovative culinary territories.

The secret lies in carefully selecting ingredients that complement each other without overwhelming the delicate balance of textures.

Melted cheese creates a golden, inviting surface that hints at the delectable experience waiting underneath the first bite.

Perfectly seasoned chicken mingles with smooth cream cheese, creating a filling that feels simultaneously indulgent and wholesome.

Rich and Creamy: Chicken Enchiladas at Their Best

• Creamy Comfort Explosion: These enchiladas deliver a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, combining tender chicken with smooth cream cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing home cooks to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables based on personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With simple preparation steps and a total cooking time under an hour, these enchiladas provide a delicious meal that's perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner without complicated techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The convenient make-ahead option lets you prep the dish in advance, making meal planning and entertaining stress-free while ensuring maximum flavor and minimal day-of kitchen work.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Bliss

• Chicken: Shredded chicken as the main protein, preferably using tender, cooked white meat for best texture.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and additional moisture to the chicken mixture.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, savory base for the filling.
• Jalapeños: Optional spicy pepper for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Green Chilies: Mild pepper that adds subtle southwestern flavor.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall taste.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas for easy rolling and traditional enchilada style.
• Enchilada Sauce: Signature red sauce that adds moisture and authentic mexican flavor.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese for melting and creating a golden, bubbly topping.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a mild, sharp flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy, fresh topping that adds richness.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that brings a bright, fresh note.

How to Roll and Bake Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Get ready for some serious flavor magic!

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced jalapeños (optional)

Sauté until everything looks golden and smells incredible, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Filling Fusion

• Sautéed veggie mixture
• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green chilies
• Pinch of salt

Stir until everything hugs together perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Home

Grab your 9×13 or 11×15 baking dish. Give it a light spray of cooking oil. Pour a layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to create a flavor foundation.

Step 5: Roll and Tuck the Enchiladas

Lay out your tortillas and spoon chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle some cheese, then roll them up tight like cozy sleeping bags. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese Shower

Drench your rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce. Blanket the top with a generous cheese sprinkle.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil (pro tip: spray the foil to prevent cheese sticking). Bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow your masterpiece to cool for 15 minutes. Patience brings flavor rewards!

Step 9: Dress and Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro

• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• Refried beans

Tips for the Creamiest Enchiladas Every Time

• Shred Like a Pro: Use two forks or a stand mixer to shred chicken quickly and evenly, ensuring tender meat throughout the enchiladas.
• Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly warm tortillas before filling to make them more pliable and reduce the chance of tearing or breaking.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by removing jalapeño seeds or adding more green chilies based on your flavor preference.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy nights.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Enchiladas

• Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. For frozen enchiladas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Microwave works in a pinch, but may make the tortillas soggy, so oven reheating is recommended for best texture.

Sides and Drinks to Pair With Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the creamy, spicy enchiladas with a classic margarita featuring fresh lime juice and a salt rim. The citrusy cocktail cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the enchiladas' robust flavors. The beer's clean, crisp profile helps cool down the mild heat and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create a Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This fresh condiment adds a vibrant, acidic element that enhances the creamy chicken enchiladas and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Finish with Horchata: Cool down the meal with a traditional Mexican rice drink. Its sweet, creamy texture and subtle cinnamon notes complement the savory enchiladas while offering a soothing finish to the spicy dish.

New Flavor Variations for Chicken Enchilada Fans

• Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas: Replace the regular enchilada sauce with a zesty green chili sauce, adding more roasted green chilies for an intense southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Version: Substitute traditional tortillas with cauliflower wraps or large lettuce leaves, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy chicken filling.
• Spicy Pepper Jack Fusion: Swap standard cheese with pepper jack for an extra kick, incorporating diced jalapeños and adding crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the heat level.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Alternative: Replace chicken with seasoned black beans and roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, keeping the creamy cream cheese base for rich texture.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas bring Mexican comfort to your dinner table with creamy, zesty flavors. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich cream cheese create a luxurious southwestern experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 10–12 flour or yellow corn tortillas
• 20 ounces (567 grams) red enchilada sauce
• 8 ounces (227 grams) block cheese, shredded

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sour cream

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup chopped yellow or white onion
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, chopped
• 0.5 fresh jalapeño, chopped (optional)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) can chopped green chilies
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Serving Toppings:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Green onions
• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• Refried beans

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the enchiladas.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeños until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the softened vegetable mixture with tender shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, zesty green chilies, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating it with cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
5. Carefully distribute the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, sprinkle a modest amount of cheese, then delicately roll and position seam-side down in the prepared dish.
6. Generously drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage, then lavishly scatter the remaining cheese on top.
7. Shield the dish with foil (lightly sprayed to prevent cheese adhesion) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts and edges become slightly crispy.
8. Allow the enchiladas to rest and cool for approximately 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and settle.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, creamy avocado slices, and aromatic cilantro. Complement the dish with crisp shredded lettuce, vibrant pico de gallo, and a side of rich refried beans.
10. For advance preparation, assemble the enchiladas without final sauce and cheese topping. Securely cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days, adding sauce and cheese just before baking to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Flexibility matters when prepping this dish, as you can customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using milder green chilies.
• Shredding chicken ahead of time saves crucial minutes during meal preparation, making assembly smoother and faster.
• Cream cheese creates an incredibly rich, velvety texture that elevates traditional enchilada filling beyond standard recipes.
• Covering the baking dish with foil prevents cheese from burning and helps maintain moisture, ensuring tender, juicy enchiladas.
• Refrigerating assembled enchiladas 1-2 days in advance makes this a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Serving with fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and pico de gallo adds brightness and extra layers of flavor to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg