Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and creamy twist on the classic Mexican dish. The combination of tender shredded chicken.
smooth cream cheese, and zesty green chilies creates a delicious filling, while the tortillas and melty cheese bring it all together.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a family gathering, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, these enchiladas are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can diced green chilies
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded cheese
8-10 flour tortillas
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the enchiladas. In a large mixing bowl.
combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir the ingredients together until well combined, creating a creamy filling for the enchiladas.
Take one flour tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken mixture onto the center.
Roll up the tortilla tightly, enclosing the filling, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them in a single layer in the dish.
Once all the tortillas are filled and arranged, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
This will create a deliciously cheesy layer that will melt and bubble in the oven. Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas begin to turn golden brown.
After removing the dish from the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or sour cream if desired, adding extra flavor and freshness to the dish.
The Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are now ready to be served and enjoyed.
How to Make
Making Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is as simple as it is satisfying. The key is to ensure the cream cheese is softened so it can easily mix with the other ingredients.
If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover roast chicken to save time. You can even shred the chicken yourself for a more homemade touch.
The seasonings in this recipe—ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder—bring depth of flavor to the creamy filling.
The green chilies add a mild heat and a touch of tanginess, but if you like your enchiladas with a little more spice, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or chili powder to the mix.
Another tip is to heat the tortillas slightly before assembling the enchiladas. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolled.
You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 20 seconds. This will make the rolling process much easier and ensure your enchiladas stay intact.
Once you’ve prepared your filling and tortillas, it’s all about assembling the dish. Make sure to spread the filling evenly inside each tortilla to ensure each bite has a good balance of flavors.
You can also experiment with different cheese blends, such as using a mixture of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisping at the edges. This creates a perfect contrast of textures between the soft.
creamy filling and the slightly crispy, cheesy top. The baking time is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so keep an eye on the dish as it bakes.
Once out of the oven, you can garnish your enchiladas with additional toppings like sour cream.
diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice to balance out the richness of the dish. These enchiladas can be served as a main course alongside a simple salad or a side of rice.
For a family meal or when entertaining guests, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are sure to satisfy.
They’re easy to make ahead, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this a great dish for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Variations
For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a can of black beans or corn to the filling. This not only enhances the texture but also adds more vegetables to the dish.
You can also experiment with using different types of cheese, such as a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb version of this dish, try swapping out the flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas or even lettuce.
wraps for a gluten-free option. The filling will still be delicious, and the lighter wrap can make the meal feel fresh and vibrant.
For those who prefer a smokier flavor, try roasting the green chilies before adding them to the filling.
This adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese. You can also use smoked chicken or turkey for an added smoky element.
If you’re making this for a crowd with varying spice tolerances, prepare some enchiladas with mild chilies and others with a spicier variety.
This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their heat preference. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a bit of extra spice.
For a more traditional enchilada experience, you can replace the cream cheese with a more classic enchilada sauce-based filling.
The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy twist, but if you’re in the mood for something closer to the traditional recipe, it’s easy to switch back to a red or green enchilada sauce.
You can also customize the topping by adding sliced olives, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for added.
flavor and a different texture. These small additions can make the dish feel unique and special for every occasion.
For those on a dairy-free or vegan diet, consider substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using vegan cheese for the topping.
You can also replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based protein to make the dish entirely plant-based.
Tips
To make your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas even better, make sure to use freshly shredded.
chicken rather than pre-packaged shredded chicken. Freshly shredded chicken gives the dish a better texture and flavor.
Consider making extra enchiladas so you can have leftovers the next day. These enchiladas store well in the fridge.
for a few days and can also be frozen for later use. Simply reheat in the oven for the best results.
If you like your enchiladas saucy, you can pour a little extra enchilada sauce over the top before baking. This will add more moisture to the dish and make it even more flavorful.
Just be sure to cover the enchiladas with foil if you’re using sauce to prevent them from drying out.
When assembling the enchiladas, be careful not to overstuff the tortillas. If you pack them too tightly, they can burst during baking.
A light hand when filling the tortillas will ensure a smooth rolling process and a better final result.
If you have time, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier. If you cut into them too soon, they may fall apart.
Try adding a small squeeze of lime juice over the top before serving. This will brighten the dish and balance out the richness of the cream cheese filling.
A dash of hot sauce on the side also works well for those who enjoy a little heat.
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat tortillas and light cream cheese to reduce the calorie count.
You won’t sacrifice much in terms of flavor, and it’s an easy swap to make the dish a bit lighter.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease. With just a few ingredients and simple steps.
you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress everyone at the table.