Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Delicious and Flavorful Mexican Dish
Are you looking for a mouthwatering Mexican dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce to create a dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas recipe is a standout. First and foremost, it is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a flavorful and satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different spices, vegetables, or even swapping the chicken for another protein such as beef or shrimp. The creamy and cheesy filling pairs perfectly with the tangy enchilada sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Furthermore, these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are cooking for picky eaters or food enthusiasts, everyone will enjoy digging into this cheesy and satisfying dish. It is the perfect recipe to share with family and friends during gatherings or potluck dinners.
Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions
Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your personal preferences and the number of servings you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it evenly along the center. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring that they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions as optional toppings for added freshness and tanginess.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure the best results when making Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
1. Use cooked chicken breast: While you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, using freshly cooked chicken breast will give you the juiciest and most flavorful results.
2. Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
3. Warm the tortillas: Warming the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds will make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing when rolled.
4. Roll tightly: To prevent the filling from falling out, roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Let them cool slightly: Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and prevent anyone from burning their mouths on hot cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to put your own twist on Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
1. Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
2. Seafood enchiladas: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or fish to create a delightful seafood enchilada dish.
3. Spicy kick: If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
4. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are delicious on their own, but you can take your meal to the next level by serving them with some complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
1. Mexican rice: Serve the enchiladas with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Refried beans: Add a scoop of creamy refried beans on the side to complement the flavors of the enchiladas.
3. Guacamole and salsa: Whip up some fresh guacamole and salsa to serve alongside the enchiladas for added freshness and zing.
4. Mexican salad: Pair the enchiladas with a crisp and refreshing Mexican salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. Keep in mind that you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
Q: Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, let the enchiladas cool completely, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A: While this recipe calls for flour tortillas, you can certainly use corn tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to be more delicate, so you might need to warm them up in a skillet with a bit of oil to prevent them from breaking when rolled.
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a true crowd-pleaser that will elevate your Mexican cuisine game. With their creamy and cheesy filling and tangy enchilada sauce, they are a delightful combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, these enchiladas are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you straight to Mexico!
We would love to hear about your experience with this recipe. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Enjoy!
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. This easy-to-make recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green chilies, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
-
Spoon chicken and cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
-
Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well coated.
-
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
-
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Let enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.