Easy Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Tucking into these delectable cream cheese chicken enchiladas promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mexican cuisine offers countless delightful combinations, but this particular recipe stands out with its creamy, zesty profile.

Soft tortillas cradle a rich filling where tender chicken mingles with smooth, tangy cream cheese.

Jalapeños provide a subtle kick that complements the mellow dairy notes perfectly.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures that feels both comforting and exciting.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels almost magical, transforming everyday components into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and watch their faces light up with the first delicious forkful.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas FAQs Answered

• What makes these enchiladas creamy and different from traditional enchiladas?

The cream cheese creates an incredibly rich, smooth filling that gives these enchiladas a luxurious texture and tangy flavor compared to classic versions. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese makes them extra indulgent.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other filling ingredients. It adds a convenient and delicious shortcut to preparing these enchiladas.

• Is this recipe spicy?

These enchiladas have a mild to moderate heat level from the green chilies. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of green chilies or use mild green chilies. For those who love extra heat, consider adding diced jalapenos or using a spicier enchilada sauce.

• Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the dish and store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, remove from the fridge, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed in the recipe.

Why Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Are So Creamy

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This recipe offers a simple, stress-free cooking experience that transforms basic ingredients into a deliciously creamy Mexican-inspired meal without complicated techniques.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with mild flavors and cheesy goodness, these enchiladas appeal to both kids and adults, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Master Quick Weeknight Dinner: From prep to plate, this dish takes just 45 minutes total, allowing busy home cooks to deliver a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adding extra heat with jalapenos or keeping it mild, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken: The star protein that gives the enchiladas their hearty filling. Rotisserie or home-cooked chicken works best.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the chicken mixture. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Sour Cream: Provides moisture and a subtle tangy taste to the filling. Choose full-fat for richer flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey, stretchy texture. Mexican blend or cheddar cheese recommended.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas hold the creamy chicken filling. Fresh, pliable tortillas work best.
• Enchilada Sauce: Brings moisture and traditional Mexican flavor. Red enchilada sauce preferred.
• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and extra flavor to the filling. Canned green chilies are convenient.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor without adding extra moisture. Use fresh if possible.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and authentic Mexican touch.
• Tomatoes: Adds freshness and color to the dish.
• Jalapenos: Provides extra heat for spice lovers.

Steps To Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Filling Fusion

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Green chilies
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything until it becomes a creamy, tantalizing blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Roll and Tuck the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. Scoop about a third of a cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll these babies up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the dish, creating a cozy little enchilada family.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Shower

Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a final layer of shredded cheese on top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for that magical moment when the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve these creamy enchiladas piping hot, accompanied by a side of fluffy rice and hearty beans.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to culinary heaven!

Tips For Better Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
• Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to make them more pliable and reduce the chance of tearing during rolling.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or black beans for versatile protein alternatives.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust green chilies and add jalapeños carefully to match your family's heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

How To Store Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Right

• Refrigerate leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas for maximum convenience – they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when sealed in freezer-safe containers.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Reheat refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350F for best texture, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make tortillas soggy and cheese rubbery.
• For optimal taste and texture, consume within 3-4 days of initial preparation.

What Pairs Well With Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Sip Mexican Margarita Magic: Pair these creamy enchiladas with a classic margarita featuring fresh lime juice and tequila, which cuts through the rich cheese and complements the spicy green chilies perfectly.
• Refresh with Crisp Cerveza: Grab a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the enchiladas' creamy texture and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken filling.
• Cool Down with Zesty Salsa Verde: Serve a bright, tangy salsa verde on the side to add a fresh, herbal kick that enhances the cream cheese and chicken flavors while adding a vibrant layer of complexity.
• Elevate with Cilantro Lime Rice: Create a simple cilantro lime rice as a side dish that echoes the enchiladas' flavors and provides a light, fragrant accompaniment to the rich, cheesy main course.

Try Fun Twists On Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Replace green chilies with diced jalapenos and chipotle peppers for a fiery kick. Add cumin and smoked paprika to the filling for deeper southwestern flavors.
• Mediterranean Chicken Wrap: Swap tortillas for large pita bread. Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano into the chicken mixture. Top with tzatziki sauce instead of traditional enchilada sauce.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas: Use thinly sliced zucchini strips as tortilla replacements. Keep the original creamy chicken filling but reduce cheese quantity. Bake until zucchini is tender and slightly crispy on edges.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans and roasted corn. Add diced bell peppers for extra texture. Maintain cream cheese base and use vegetable enchilada sauce for a plant-based alternative.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy cream cheese chicken enchiladas bring Mexican comfort to your dinner table with creamy, zesty flavors. Rolled tortillas packed with tender chicken and melted cheese promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (0.47 liters) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheese (for topping)

Spices, Vegetables, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 8–10 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice)
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Create a harmonious filling mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, shredded cheese, zesty green chilies, aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, and seasoning to develop a rich, creamy texture.
3. Establish a flavor foundation by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a moisture-rich base for the enchiladas.
4. Construct individual enchiladas by placing a generous portion of the prepared chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, then expertly rolling the tortilla into a tight cylinder, positioning them seam-side down in the sauced baking dish.
5. Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by drizzling the remaining enchilada sauce uniformly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage and moisture.
6. Distribute the remaining shredded cheese across the top of the enchiladas, creating a golden, melty blanket that will crisp during baking.
7. Initiate the cooking process by covering the dish with foil, then bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to heat thoroughly.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, or spicy sliced jalapenos for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
10. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides of fluffy rice and hearty beans, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving shortcut that adds extra flavor to the enchiladas.
• Experiment with low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chilies or adding different types of peppers to suit personal spice preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg