Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas. When I think of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, these enchiladas always come to mind. I remember the first time I made them for my family; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted to create something warm and inviting. As the aroma of baked cheese and spices filled the kitchen, I could already tell that this dish would be a hit. With its creamy filling and tangy enchilada sauce, these enchiladas quickly became a family favorite. Now, every time I pull out the ingredients, I can already hear the cheers from the dining table!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making these delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. The combination of creamy cream cheese, zesty lime juice, and savory shredded chicken creates a delightful filling, while the enchilada sauce adds that perfect kick. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chiles
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 10 (8-inch) tortillas, soft taco size
• 1 (15-ounce) can green enchilada sauce
• toppings, if desired

The Method for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Making these enchiladas is just as easy as gathering the ingredients. Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a comforting dish to share with your loved ones. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside to prepare for the delicious enchiladas.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, cumin, salt, garlic pepper, and lime juice. Beat these together until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the star of your filling!
3. Next, gently fold in the drained diced tomatoes, green chiles, chopped fresh cilantro, 1 cup shredded cheese, and shredded chicken. Make sure everything is evenly combined, as each bite should be packed with flavor.
4. Pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This step helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor to the base.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the enchiladas! Take a tortilla and add about ½ cup of the chicken mixture along the middle. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step for all tortillas until the filling is used up.
6. Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Make sure they are generously covered, as this will keep them moist during baking.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas. This will create a beautiful, golden, cheesy crust once baked.
8. Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. You want to see that perfect melty goodness!
9. Finally, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every bite of these delightful Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas.

Tips and Variations

Here are some great tips and variations to help you customize your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas and make them your own!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled enchiladas before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or seasoned rice for a complete meal. You can also add some guacamole or sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Twist: For a kick, add some diced jalapeños into the filling or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for black beans and add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

Serve This Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas With

Enjoying your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is all about the perfect sides to complement this flavorful dish. Here are some fantastic options:

• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for a fulfilling meal.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add a nice protein boost and texture contrast.
• Fresh Salad: A light salad with avocado and lime dressing can balance the richness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole: Homemade guacamole brings a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the enchiladas.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a tangy note and further enhance the creamy filling.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These enchiladas are ideal for potlucks or family dinners. Everyone will love digging into this comforting dish!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With their creamy filling and zesty sauce, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones; I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

The ultimate comfort food, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress, making it a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 packages cream cheese softened
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 can diced tomatoes drained
• 1 can diced green chiles
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 10 tortillas soft taco size
• 1 can green enchilada sauce
• 1 toppings if desired

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan
• Blender

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, garlic, cumin, salt, garlic pepper, and lime juice. Fold in diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, cilantro, 1 cup shredded cheese, and shredded chicken.
3. Pour a little bit of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread around before adding the enchiladas.
4. Add ½ cup of the chicken mixture along the middle of each tortilla and roll up. Place in a prepared baking dish with the seam down.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make crock pot Shredded Chicken, oven Baked Chicken, or shred a rotisserie chicken.
• Tip 2: Warm tortillas tend to roll better without tearing, especially corn tortillas. Warm them up in the microwave or briefly fry them.
• Tip 3: Don’t overfill the tortillas and place them seam side down so that all the filling stays inside.
• Tip 4: Bake the enchiladas uncovered to keep them from getting soggy. If the cheese has browned too much before the enchiladas are done, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the casserole during the last few minutes.

Previous PostCopycat Olive Garden Chicken Formaggio Pizza

Next Post Crispy Air Fryer Asian Chicken Thighs

Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.