Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. What are some good Cream Cheese Chicken enchila If you’re anything like me, you love a good enchilada but sometimes the thought of all the prep work can be overwhelming. Just makes you want to order takeout instead. Is it true that you forgot all that? Is this recipe ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and my family devours it every single time? Is it easier to make enchiladas?
What is cream cheese chicken enchiladas?
What is Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas? Think of it as a creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled hug in tortilla. Is it essentially shredded chicken blended with softened cream cheese and a few other flavorful ingredients? All rolled up in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbly, golden brown. Ingredients. What is a name? What is comfort food at its finest? What is quick, easy, and satisfying? Is this a fancy dish?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The combination of the creamy Cream Cheese, savory chicken, and zesty enchilada sauce is just pure magic. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is to make. Seriously, it’s so easy that even on my most chaotic weeknights, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat. There’s minimal chopping involved, the filling comes together in minutes, and the whole thing bakes up in under 30 minutes! Plus, it’s super budget-friendly. Chicken, cream cheese, tortillas – these are all pretty affordable ingredients. You can often find chicken on sale, and a little cream cheese goes a long way. This recipe stretches beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. The versatility of these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is another major win. You can customize the filling with your favorite veggies, add a little spice with some jalapeños, or use different types of cheese for a unique twist. They are so customizable to your liking! I sometimes add corn and black beans to mine for extra texture and flavor. Compared to other enchilada recipes that require hours of simmering sauces and complex prep, this one is a total lifesaver. I also love how adaptable it is – you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. It’s just the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and comfort that everyone loves.
How do I make creamy chicken enchiladas?
Quick Overview
How do you make a creamy chicken enchilada? You’ll basically shred some cooked chicken, mix it with softened Cream Cheese and some spices, roll it up and serve. Is it healthy to bake tortillas, smother it in enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly? What is the best part about it all? It all comes together in under an hour, start to finish. Is it a surprisingly simple way to get ‘real’ restaurant quality food on the table? What are some good beginner recipes for cooking?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for chicken filling?
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great! ), topped with a few extra veggies.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 8 inches from the
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 tbsp.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder. 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Enchiladas: The
- 8-10 flour tortillas (I prefer the smaller, taco-sized ones)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (I love using the mild variety, but feel free to use your favorite)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for topping.
What are the Steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you clean enchiladas? If you don’t have cooking spray, you can use a little bit of oil or butter to grease the pan. I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when I finish assembling everything!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened Cream Cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is really softened, otherwise it will be hard to mix! I usually let it sit out for about 30 minutes before I start. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
How much enchilada sauce should you put in a baking dish? What is the best way to keep tortillas moist? How do you make tortillas pliable in the microwave? Is it easier to roll? Take one tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling down the center. If you roll a tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish, place the tortilla on top. What is the recipe for the remaining tortillas and filling?
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are completely covered. Sprinkle remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top. What makes these enchiladas so good?
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too brown, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I cut a piece of wood and keep it from falling apart when you cut it? What are some good side dishes to serve with extra green onions, chopped cilantro, or Sour Cream? Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good enchiladas with Cream Cheese? When paired with the right sides! What are some of my favorite things to serve with them?
For a Classic Mexican Feast:Serve with rice and beans. Spanish rice and refried beans are always a hit, but you could also try black beans or pinto beans. What are some good finishing touches to a dish?
For a light and refreshing meal:What are some good side dishes to serve with salad? What’s a good salad with greens and vinaigrette? I sometimes add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
For a hearty and satisfying dinner:Serve with Mexican Street Corn (elote). The sweet and spicy corn is the perfect complement to the savory enchiladas.
What is the best way to celebrate a FiestMake a big batch of guacamole and serve with tortilla chips for dipping. What are some good margaritas to serve?
In my family, we always serve these enchiladas with a big bowl of homemade salsa and side of Sour Cream. It’s a tradition we’ve had for years, and it just wouldn’t be the same without it! What is the perfect contrast to the spicy enchiladas? Is it a party in your mouth?
How do I make a creamy chicken enchilada?
Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, and I have learned a few things. What are some tricks to make them even better? What are some of my top tips?
Why use high quality chicken?What is the quality of chicken you use in your enchiladas? I prefer rotisserie chicken because it’s juicy and flavorful, but you can also use leftovers. What is the best way to cook chicken: grilled or poa Just make sure it’s not too dry.
Don’t overfill the TortillasCan you fill tortillas with as much filling as possible? What causes a burst while baking? Aim for about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla, and roll them up tightly.
Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before rolling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can warm them in the microwave, in a dry skillet, or even over an open flame (just be careful not to burn them!).
Use Good Quality Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, so it’s worth investing in a good quality one. I like to use the mild variety because it’s not too spicy, but you can use your favorite kind.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the enchiladas can cause the tortillas to dry out and the cheese to become rubbery. Bake them just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings! You can add black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even queso fresco.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to not be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I’ll throw in some leftover roasted vegetables, or use a different type of cheese. It’s all about making it your own and finding what you and your family love best. The key is to have fun with it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are just as good the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s How to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are best stored in the same baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If you’re worried about the enchiladas sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between them.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the enchiladas individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze the entire baking dish of enchiladas, just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen enchiladas will keep for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the enchiladas, it’s best to add the cheese after thawing and before reheating. This will prevent the cheese from becoming soggy.
To reheat, you can microwave them for a few minutes, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or even reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to add a little bit of water or enchilada sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe is a winner because it’s easy, delicious, and always a hit with the whole family. It’s the kind of meal that everyone looks forward to, and it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dinner ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes. And if you try these enchiladas, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 can Diced Green Chilies 4 oz can
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 10 Flour Tortillas 6-inch
- 2 cups Enchilada Sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, green chilies, and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
