Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Creamy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, a creamy cheese filling, and wrapped in soft tortillas, then smothered with a rich, savory enchilada sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. The addition of cream cheese adds a delightful richness to the filling, making these enchiladas a unique and delicious take on the traditional recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes classic chicken enchiladas to a new level with the inclusion of cream cheese, creating an indulgent, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the mildly spiced enchilada sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you want it spicy, mild, or loaded with extra toppings.
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Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 large flour tortillas (or low-carb tortillas for a keto option)
2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for topping
Fresh cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional)Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined and creamy.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out the tortillas and spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Add Enchilada Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring each one is well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the Enchiladas
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or even sliced jalapeños for a little heat. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.Customization Ideas
Spice Level: If you like things spicy, add some chopped jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
Tortilla Options: For a lower-carb option, use low-carb or almond flour tortillas.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Cheese Choices: Swap out the Monterey Jack for pepper jack if you want a bit more spice, or use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.Why It Works
The creamy chicken filling, enriched with cream cheese and shredded cheese, creates a decadent texture that contrasts beautifully with the mildly spicy enchilada sauce. The combination of seasonings like cumin, garlic, and onion powder gives the enchiladas a depth of flavor that’s both savory and satisfying. Plus, these enchiladas are easy to customize based on your personal preferences, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps keep this dish satisfying without being too heavy.
Cream Cheese: Provides a rich source of fat and adds creaminess without overwhelming the dish.
Cheese: Packed with calcium and protein, cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the overall nutritional value of the meal.Leftovers and Storage
These enchiladas make excellent leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze these enchiladas before baking them. To do so, assemble the enchiladas as directed, but hold off on adding the sauce and cheese topping. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge, top with sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.
Perfect Pairings
Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with enchiladas.
Guacamole: Creamy and refreshing, guacamole adds a nice balance to the richness of the enchiladas.
Salsa and Chips: Add some crunch with a side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa.
Margaritas: Pair these enchiladas with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca for the perfect Tex-Mex meal.Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are an easy, delicious, and creamy spin on a classic dish. With a simple list of ingredients and a quick baking time, these enchiladas are perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. They’re sure to become a family favorite, thanks to their satisfying, cheesy filling and bold flavors.