Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with cream cheese chicken enchiladas! These little bundles of joy are a game changer in the world of enchiladas. Imagine biting into a warm tortilla filled with tender chicken, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I first stumbled upon this recipe at a family gathering, and I couldn’t resist sneaking seconds—and maybe thirds. Now, I whip these up whenever I want to impress friends or just indulge in something comforting. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too! They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a fun get-together, and they always steal the show.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
To make these scrumptious cream cheese chicken enchiladas, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will do!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is what gives the enchiladas that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) – I usually go for the Mexican blend for an extra flavor kick!
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 8 flour tortillas – I prefer the larger ones for more filling, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions – These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – A must for that extra flavor without the fuss!
- 1 tsp cumin – This spice brings a warm, earthy note that enhances the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your enchiladas to bake evenly and come out perfectly melty. While the oven heats up, grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to keep everything from sticking. Trust me, this will make cleanup a breeze!
Mix the Filling
Now, let’s dive into that creamy filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a fork or your trusty spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You want that delicious, creamy texture to be evenly spread throughout. I sometimes get in there with my hands for a really thorough mix—it’s just so satisfying!
Assemble the Enchiladas
Alright, it’s assembly time! Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of your chicken filling right down the center. Don’t be shy—fill it up! Now, roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything cozy inside. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this step for all the tortillas, and don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing regardless!
Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one gets a nice bath of that savory goodness. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and the chopped green onions on top for that extra flavor and crunch. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy. Yum!
FAQ About Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce? Absolutely! I often grab a can during busy weeks. Just make sure it’s a brand you love, or whip up your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
What can I add to the filling? Get creative! Black beans, corn, or even diced green chilies can be fantastic additions for extra flavor and texture. I sometimes sneak in some spinach for a boost of greens!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and pop them in the fridge a day in advance. Just bake them when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of cheese works best? I love a good Mexican blend, but cheddar works just as well! It’s all about your preference—use what you love!
Are these enchiladas gluten-free? Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free tortillas, and you’re all set for a deliciously creamy meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy and satisfying—each bite feels like a warm hug!
- Super easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like beans or veggies.
- Great for meal prep—make ahead and bake when you’re ready!
- Always a crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t usually fans of enchiladas!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your cream cheese chicken enchiladas turn out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds—check it often to avoid melting!
- Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to load up those tortillas, overfilling can lead to messy enchiladas. A nice spoonful down the center is just right!
- Let them rest: After baking, let the enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set up a bit, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and cumin to suit your taste. A little extra kick from some chili powder can take these enchiladas to the next level!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your creamy, delicious enchiladas!
Nutritional Information
These cream cheese chicken enchiladas are a delightful indulgence, and here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a tasty idea of what to expect!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover cream cheese chicken enchiladas (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. Let the enchiladas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again. Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover them with foil to keep the moisture in. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave them, but I find the oven keeps that lovely texture intact. Just pop them in for about 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure they don’t get too hot and explode!
Z nadrukami
Cream cheese chicken enchiladas: 5 Ways to Savor Comfort
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Cream cheese chicken enchiladas are a delicious and creamy twist on traditional enchiladas. They are filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese, then topped with enchilada sauce and cheese.
Składniki
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up.
- Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and green onions on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add black beans or corn for extra flavor.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 enchilada
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: cream cheese chicken enchiladas, enchiladas, chicken recipes, Mexican food
