Oh, let me tell you about my love for creamy and flavorful chicken enchiladas! These little rolls of joy are packed with tender shredded chicken and enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sauce that just makes my heart sing. The secret? Cream cheese! It transforms the filling into something so rich and dreamy, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). The combination of spices, gooey cheese, and that luscious creaminess creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re baked to perfection, bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with the most delicious aroma. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite type, I love using cheddar!)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly and get that perfect bubbly, golden top. Trust me, the anticipation of that warm oven is part of the joy!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Now, in a large bowl, it’s time to mix together the star players! Combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and cumin. I like to use a spatula or a fork to blend everything together, making sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated. You’re looking for a creamy, cohesive mixture that’s just thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable. Get in there and mix it well; you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Next, grab those flour tortillas! Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla, spreading it out a bit. Then, roll them up tightly like a cozy little burrito! Don’t worry if you’re not a pro at rolling them; just make sure the filling is nicely tucked inside. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in your baking dish to keep them secure. It’s like tucking them in for a warm, cheesy nap!
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Now that your enchiladas are all rolled up, line them up snugly in a baking dish. Once they’re all in place, pour the enchilada sauce generously over the top. Don’t skimp on this part! It adds so much moisture and flavor. If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese right over the sauce. It’s going to be so good!
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until they’re ready. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have any leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, this is the perfect time to use it! It makes the prep super quick and adds even more flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for just 10-15 seconds. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff your tortillas. About two tablespoons of the filling is perfect! This makes them easier to roll and prevents any tearing.
- Warm Tortillas: If your tortillas are feeling a bit stiff, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
- Customize the Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream can take these enchiladas to the next level.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, let your enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set up a bit and makes serving easier! Plus, it gives you a moment to admire your delicious creation.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of these delicious cream cheese chicken enchiladas. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on what you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
With a good balance of flavors and textures, these enchiladas not only satisfy your cravings but also pack a decent protein punch! They’re perfect for a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be a fantastic alternative to flour tortillas, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile, so I recommend warming them up in the microwave or on a skillet before filling. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You might also want to use a bit more enchilada sauce to help soften them as they bake. Enjoy the added flavor that corn tortillas bring!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are some simple swaps you can make! First, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese for a healthier filling. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat variety. For the chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is great, but you could also use grilled chicken breast for a leaner option. Additionally, loading up on veggies—like bell peppers or spinach—will add fiber and nutrients without a lot of extra calories. Trust me, you won’t sacrifice flavor!
What can I serve with cream cheese chicken enchiladas?
These enchiladas are so versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving them with a fresh green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. You could also whip up some Mexican rice or black beans for a heartier meal. And don’t forget about chips and salsa—perfect for scooping up any extra enchilada sauce! Another great option is some corn on the cob or a side of guacamole for that extra creamy goodness. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have these creamy enchiladas ready for the oven in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, spices, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Creamy Texture: The creaminess from the cream cheese makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients, adding your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Great for Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making for a fantastic lunch option!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy these cheesy, flavorful rolls—perfect for a family dinner!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze some for busy weeknights—you’ll thank yourself later!
Cream cheese chicken enchiladas: 5 Irresistibly Creamy Ways
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Creamy and flavorful chicken enchiladas with cream cheese.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Spoon the mixture into each tortilla and roll them up.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for convenience.
- Can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Top with sour cream or avocado for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Mexican
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 enchilada
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: cream cheese chicken enchiladas
