Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish. With a creamy, rich filling made from shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a blend of spices, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. The combination of the creamy filling, savory red enchilada sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in soft flour tortillas creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, these enchiladas offer a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. The cream cheese adds richness to the shredded chicken filling, while the spices bring warmth and depth of flavor. The red enchilada sauce ties everything together, and the shredded Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully to create the perfect topping. These enchiladas are easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite garnishes. Whether you’re a fan of sour cream, guacamole, or a little extra spice, these enchiladas can be tailored to suit your preferences. Plus, they make great leftovers, so you can enjoy them for several days after making them.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Vegetable oil
• Shredded chicken
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cream cheese, softened
• Diced green chiles
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

For Assembly:

• Flour tortillas (6-inch)
• Red enchilada sauce
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Garnishes for Serving:

• Sour cream
• Tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Avocado
• Black olives

Variations

• Spicy Variation: Add more heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or adding extra chili powder and cumin to the filling or the sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
• Cheese Lovers: For an even cheesier version, add a layer of cheese inside the tortillas along with the filling before rolling them up.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Slow Cooker Version: For an easy slow-cooker version, place the filled tortillas in the slow cooker with the enchilada sauce and cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the shredded chicken, cream cheese, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cream cheese is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable and easier to roll. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Top the Enchiladas

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, or black olives, depending on your preferences.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shredded Chicken: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts to save time. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts in advance to make the process faster.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the filling to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Rolling the Tortillas: If the tortillas are too stiff to roll, warm them up to make them more pliable. This will help avoid cracking and ensure they roll up tightly.
• Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the enchilada sauce for extra heat.

How to Serve

These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are delicious on their own or served with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado, to add extra flavor and texture. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

These enchiladas freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in the baking dish and cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Reheating

Reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both.

2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may crack more easily when rolled. You can warm them in the microwave or in a skillet to make them more pliable before using.

3. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas the night before and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

4. How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

Add extra chili powder, cumin, or hot sauce to the filling or enchilada sauce for added heat. You can also top the enchiladas with sliced jalapeños.

5. Can I use a different meat in these enchiladas?

Yes, ground beef, turkey, or even pork can be used instead of chicken. Just make sure to cook and season the meat before assembling the enchiladas.

6. Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer. Just make sure the sauce is well-seasoned to complement the filling.

7. Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Just assemble them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

8. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling them, and avoid over-saturating them with sauce. You can also bake them uncovered for a few minutes to help crisp them up.

9. Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with beans, vegetables, or tofu for a vegetarian version of these enchiladas.

10. Can I make these enchiladas in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and cook them in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich filling of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and spices, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with savory red enchilada sauce and melted cheese, these enchiladas are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering, these enchiladas will deliver comfort and deliciousness in every bite.

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