Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Comforting and Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Dish

If you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy dish with a little bit of spice, these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect meal for you. With a delicious blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and flavorful spices, this recipe brings together the warmth of comfort food with a touch of Mexican flair. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• ½ cup chopped yellow or white onion 🧅
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, chopped 🧄
• ½ fresh jalapeño, chopped (optional) 🌶️
• 2 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached) 🍗
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature 🧀
• 4 oz sour cream 🍶
• 4 oz can chopped green chilies (do not drain) 🌶️
• ½ tsp kosher salt 🧂
• 10-12 flour tortillas or yellow corn tortillas (soft taco size) 🌮
• 20 oz red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade) 🌶️
• 8 oz block cheese, shredded (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Cheddar), divided (about 3 cups if using pre-shredded) 🧀

For Serving:

• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, and/or green onions 🥑🌿🧅
• Sides: shredded lettuce topped with pico de gallo and refried beans 🌮

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking once your enchiladas are assembled. 🔥

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and jalapeños (if using) for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and aromatic. 🧅🧄🌶️

3️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies, and salt. Mix everything together until well-blended and the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. 🍗🧀🌶️

4️⃣ Prep the Baking Dish:
Lightly spray a 9×13 or 11×15 baking dish with cooking spray or coat it with a little oil. Pour about 5 oz (a full half cup) of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking and to infuse extra flavor. 🧂🍶

5️⃣ Assemble the Enchiladas:
Take each tortilla and place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the filling, then roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all the filling is used or your baking dish is full. 🌯🧀

6️⃣ Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are fully covered. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese over the top. 🧀🌶️

7️⃣ Bake:
Cover the dish with foil (tip: spray the foil with baking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese). Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. ⏳🔥

8️⃣ Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the enchiladas to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes serving easier. 🌬️

9️⃣ Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish the enchiladas with chopped green onions, avocado slices, and/or fresh cilantro. For a complete meal, serve with shredded lettuce topped with pico de gallo and a side of refried beans. 🥑🌿🌮

Make-Ahead Tip:

To make these enchiladas ahead of time, assemble them as instructed, but do not add the enchilada sauce or cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake, pour the sauce over the enchiladas, sprinkle with cheese, and bake as directed. This is a great option for prepping meals ahead of a busy week! 🍲❄️

Cooking Details:

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooking Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Servings: 6-8 servings

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These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are not only comforting but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect balance of spice and warmth in every bite!

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