Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

It was a chilly evening when I decided to whip up a batch of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas. The family had been begging for something warm and cozy, and what better way to bring comfort than with these cheesy delights? As the aroma filled the kitchen, memories of laughter and shared meals danced in my mind. You know those moments when you gather around the table, the clink of forks and laughter echoing? That’s what Creamy Chicken Enchiladas bring to our home—a sense of togetherness. Every bite is a little hug, a taste of love rolled up in a tortilla.

Ingredient List for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

When it comes to creating the perfect Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, the ingredients play a vital role. Each component contributes its unique flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that’s not just satisfying but also incredibly delicious. The key players in this recipe are chicken, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce, all working together to create an irresistible harmony.

• 2 small onions, thinly sliced: These add a sweet and savory base to the filling.
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is a must for enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken: The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
• ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped, plus more to garnish: These add a smoky sweetness that complements the other flavors.
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes: This gives the filling its creamy texture and rich flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing, adding richness to the filling.
• 1 package of flour tortillas (mine had 10 tortillas): The perfect vessel for wrapping all the delicious filling.
• 28-ounce can of green enchilada sauce: This provides moisture and flavor to the whole dish.
• 4 ounces more shredded Monterey jack cheese, optional, to use in filling: Cheese makes everything better, right?
• 8 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese: For topping and melting over the enchiladas.
• Salt, optional: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Preparation Steps for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Making Creamy Chicken Enchiladas is an enjoyable process that brings the family together in the kitchen. The steps are simple yet rewarding. Get ready to savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures as each step unfolds.

1. Preheat your oven to 375º. While it warms up, grab a 9 x 13 pan and grease it with some non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent your enchiladas from sticking.
2. In a large frying pan, melt some butter over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’ve softened and turned slightly golden. It’s all about developing those sweet flavors.
3. Next, throw in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute or until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!
4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chicken, red bell peppers, and cream cheese. Mix everything carefully until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. This filling is rich and creamy, just what we want.
5. Check your filling for seasoning. If you think it needs a bit more flavor, add some salt to taste.
6. Now it’s time to assemble! Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
7. Take a tortilla and spoon about ⅓ cup of the filling down the center. If you’d like, sprinkle in a tablespoon of grated cheese before rolling it up tightly.
8. Set the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared pan. Repeat this process until your pan is full. This is where the deliciousness begins!
9. Once all the enchiladas are in the pan, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Don’t skimp; you want it to be nice and saucy.
10. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. You can also garnish with some minced red peppers if you like.
11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until everything is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Your house will smell incredible!

How to Switch It Up

There are countless ways to make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas your own! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for black beans or sautéed vegetables.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra layer of heat.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Herbs and Spices: Add cumin or chili powder to the filling for added depth.
• Healthy Twist: Use whole-wheat tortillas and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
• Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking for a quick meal later!

Serve This Creamy Chicken Enchiladas With

• Spanish Rice: A classic pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Guacamole: The creamy texture and fresh taste elevate the meal.
• Refried Beans: Hearty and filling, they balance the enchiladas.
• Salad: A crisp side salad with a zesty dressing adds freshness to the meal.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
• Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks that complement the spiciness.

FAQ

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and comfort. With their creamy filling and cheesy topping, they bring everyone to the table and create lasting memories. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Your family will love it, and it’s sure to become a favorite!

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for any weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken and a rich sauce, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight for a delicious family meal!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 small Onions thinly sliced
• 1-2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 cups Chopped, cooked chicken
• ½ cup Jarred roasted red peppers chopped, plus more to garnish
• 6 ounces Cream cheese cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons Butter plus dried herbs/garlic powder as desired
• 1 package Flour tortillas (mine had 10 tortillas)
• 28 ounces Green enchilada sauce canned
• 4 ounces Shredded Monterey jack cheese optional, to use in filling
• 8 ounces Shredded Monterey jack cheese
• to taste Salt optional

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375º. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large frying pan, cook onions in butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, till onions are slightly browned and tender. Add garlic and cook to soften.
3. Remove from heat and add chicken, red bell peppers, and cream cheese. Carefully stir till cream cheese is incorporated. Check for seasoning and add salt if needed.
4. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Spoon about ⅓ cup of filling down the center of each tortilla. Add a tablespoon of grated cheese to each enchilada if desired (optional) and roll.
6. Set enchiladas, seam-side down in the pan. Continue until the pan is full.
7. Cover with remaining sauce and top with grated cheese. Sprinkle with some minced red peppers to garnish if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These enchiladas freeze well. Assemble them and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Try adding spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch before serving.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.