Creamy, dreamy, and downright delicious – the aroma of Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine biting into a cheesy, saucy delight wrapped in a soft tortilla, with flavors dancing on your taste buds and aromas inviting you to dig in. These enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re an experience that’ll make your heart sing and your stomach do a happy dance.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are the key ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
- How do I prepare the chicken for the enchiladas?
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
- How can I store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
- Conclusion for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable family dinner where my cousin attempted to impress everyone with her cooking skills. Spoiler alert: she didn’t quite succeed, but it was during that culinary catastrophe that I discovered the magic of cream cheese in enchiladas! My family ended up eating takeout, but I walked away inspired to create my own version of these cheesy wonders. Perfect for a cozy taco night or a festive gathering, these enchiladas will leave you craving more long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s easy for weeknight dinners.
- The creamy filling pairs beautifully with zesty sauce for an explosion of flavor.
- Each bite is visually stunning with vibrant colors from the toppings.
- You can customize your enchiladas with whatever fillings you have on hand for endless versatility!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best as the base protein; feel free to adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy blending; it adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
- Tortillas: Opt for flour tortillas for a soft and chewy texture that wraps around all that goodness perfectly.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works like magic – melty goodness is key here!
- Green Chiles: Canned green chiles add a mild kick and depth of flavor; they work wonders in enhancing the dish.
- Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, choose one that has a nice balance of spice and sweetness to enhance your creation.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, fresh cilantro gives a burst of color and freshness that ties everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or let it cool before dicing.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of your shredded cheese, green chiles, and some salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended – it should be creamy and slightly chunky.
Step 4: Assemble Your Enchiladas
Take one tortilla at a time and spoon about two tablespoons of filling down its center. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in your greased baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas generously. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top – because more cheese is always better!
Step 6: Bake & Serve
Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with more sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating your chicken to infuse flavor, then sear it until golden brown. While the chicken cools, prepare your filling and sauce. Finally, assemble and bake those enchiladas to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for beef or turkey, or even add black beans for extra protein. Spice things up with jalapeños or try different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through—no one likes cold enchiladas!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy!
- Use fresh herbs for a pop of flavor and color.
- And don’t rush the baking process—let those flavors meld beautifully!
Sometimes I whip up these enchiladas just to see my family’s faces light up—they always ask for seconds, which is the ultimate compliment in my kitchen!
FAQs :
What are the key ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
To make delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, you will need shredded chicken, cream cheese, tortillas, shredded cheese, and your choice of spices. Additionally, use green chili sauce or enchilada sauce to enhance flavor. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This recipe is versatile and allows for various fillings, but it focuses on chicken to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How do I prepare the chicken for the enchiladas?
You can prepare the chicken by boiling, baking, or grilling it until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese and any seasonings you prefer. This mixture will be used as the filling for your enchiladas. Ensuring that the chicken is well-seasoned will elevate the overall taste of your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cream cheese is essential for creating a creamy texture in your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, you can mix in other types of cheese according to your preference. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese can add extra flavor. Just be sure to maintain a balance so that the enchiladas remain creamy and delicious.
How can I store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
Storing leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas is easy! Place any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They can last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just ensure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Conclusion for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love. By using simple ingredients like shredded chicken and cream cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, this dish becomes a family favorite. Remember to customize with your preferred cheeses and spices for added flair. With easy preparation and quick cooking time, these enchiladas are perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike! Enjoy this creamy delight at your next meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Wrapped in soft tortillas and filled with a rich blend of shredded chicken and cream cheese, these enchiladas are smothered in zesty sauce and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, each bite bursts with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (6-7 minutes per side). Shred using two forks.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, green chiles, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each tortilla with about two tablespoons of the mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
