Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a variation of the classic enchilada, but with a creamy filling made of cooked chicken and cream cheese. The mixture of spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder gives the dish its bold flavors. The enchiladas are then smothered in red enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese for a deliciously rich finish.
The total time to make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is about 40-45 minutes. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for baking to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.
These enchiladas are a fantastic choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. The creamy filling gives the dish a unique twist, making it stand out from other enchilada recipes. The enchiladas are easy to customize, whether adding extra spice or including your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole. They’re perfect for serving at family dinners or gatherings, always getting great feedback from guests!
Why You’ll Love It Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas combine savory chicken with creamy cheese, creating a deliciously smooth texture in every bite. The blend of flavors is rich, comforting, and perfect for any meal.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a fast prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy the ease of making it, even if you’re short on time, without compromising on taste.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both adults and kids alike. The mild, creamy flavors make it easy to adjust to different tastes, ensuring everyone around the table will love it.
Ingredient Notes for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for making delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed cooked chicken adds protein and flavor to the dish. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Cream Cheese: This smooth, creamy ingredient brings a rich, tangy texture to the filling. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
- Green Chilies: These add a mild heat and fresh flavor to the enchiladas. Canned green chilies are easy to find and convenient.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, giving the dish a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor and melts well, balancing the cheddar’s sharper taste.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: A key ingredient for flavor and moisture, this sauce adds a deep, tangy taste and vibrant color to the enchiladas.
- Cumin: This spice offers a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of citrus, making it perfect for Mexican dishes like enchiladas.
- Chili Powder: Chili powder adds a mild heat and enhances the overall spiciness of the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a savory, aromatic flavor without the pungency of fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder offers a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the other spices.
- Flour Tortillas: These soft tortillas hold the creamy chicken mixture and sauce, making the enchiladas easy to roll and bake.
- Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and creating a smooth filling.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance all the flavors and allow the other ingredients to shine.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, the key to a perfect dish is balancing the flavors. Use fresh ingredients like tender chicken, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas. It helps the flavors blend smoothly, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to add your own spices for an extra kick.
Adding a unique touch to your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is easy. You can mix in vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the flavor and nutrition. Don’t forget to sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a golden, crispy finish that will impress your guests.
To enhance the creamy texture of your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, use full-fat cream cheese. This will create a rich, smooth sauce that complements the chicken and tortillas perfectly. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for more depth in flavor.
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Variation
There are many ways to make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas your own. Here are some popular variations to try:
- Spicy Variation: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken and cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Cheese Lover’s Variation: Mix in extra cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, into the cream cheese filling for even more gooey goodness.
- Slow Cooker Method: For an easier version, use a slow cooker to cook the chicken before shredding it and mixing with cream cheese, then assemble the enchiladas in the usual way.
Each variation adds a new dimension to the dish, making it adaptable to different tastes and preferences.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are best served with a variety of sides and toppings to complement the richness of the dish:
- Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad with a tangy lime dressing.
- Toppings: Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an added burst of flavor.
- Salsa: A side of fresh salsa, like pico de gallo, can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy enchiladas.
For a complete meal, pair the enchiladas with a chilled glass of iced tea or a light, citrusy cocktail like a margarita.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish in advance, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas store well. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerating: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the enchiladas as directed but do not bake. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezer-Friendly Tip: If you plan to freeze the enchiladas, freeze them individually wrapped in foil so you can enjoy them one serving at a time.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
How do you make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
To make cream cheese chicken enchiladas, start by mixing cooked chicken, cream cheese, spices, and cheese together. Then, roll the mixture in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Can I use a different protein in these enchiladas?
Yes, you can swap chicken for other proteins like beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning to suit the protein you choose for your enchiladas.
Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese chicken enchiladas before or after baking. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
How do I make the enchiladas spicier?
To make cream cheese chicken enchiladas spicier, add chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the filling or the enchilada sauce. You can also top the dish with sliced fresh peppers for added heat.
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it enough time to heat while you prepare the enchiladas.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. Add in 1/2 cup of each shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack) and stir again.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Next, take one tortilla at a time, spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled-up tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Add the sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Make sure to coat them evenly, ensuring every tortilla gets a good amount of sauce.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
