Irresistible Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Families

Creamy chicken enchiladas represent a mouthwatering culinary adventure that refines simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Mexican-inspired comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than these delectable rolled tortillas packed with tender meat and rich sauce.

Family dinners become instantly memorable when this crowd-pleasing dish arrives at the table, radiating warmth and deliciousness.

Soft tortillas cradle seasoned chicken, melding together under a blanket of velvety, smooth sauce that promises incredible flavor in every single bite.

Subtle spices dance through the recipe, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make everyone’s taste buds celebrate.

Home cooks appreciate how straightforward yet impressive this meal can be, requiring minimal technical skills but delivering maximum satisfaction.

Weekend meal planning just got significantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing option that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Tips for Keeping Enchiladas Creamy and Full of Flavor

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and consistent texture in your enchiladas.
• Warm Tortillas Gently: Microwave corn tortillas between damp paper towels for 30 seconds to prevent cracking during rolling and improve flexibility.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk constantly while adding chicken broth to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats enchiladas evenly.
• Maximize Cheese Melt: Use freshly shredded Mexican cheese blend for superior melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and green chiles to suit your heat preference, ensuring the dish matches your desired taste intensity.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Enchiladas Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store cooled enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen enchiladas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. For frozen enchiladas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the creamy enchiladas with a tangy margarita that cuts through the richness. The lime and tequila will brighten the dish's flavors, creating a perfect Mexican-inspired meal combination.
• Serve with Refreshing Mexican Coleslaw: Balance the heavy enchiladas with a light, crisp coleslaw dressed in a lime-cilantro vinaigrette. The cool, crunchy slaw provides a fresh contrast to the warm, creamy enchiladas.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate. The beer's crispness will help cut through the creamy sauce and complement the dish's spicy undertones.
• Add Smooth Guacamole on the Side: Prepare a creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, lime, and cilantro. Its rich, smooth texture works perfectly with the enchiladas, adding an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Flavorful Additions for Chicken Enchiladas

• Spicy Pepper Jack Enchiladas: Swap Mexican cheese for pepper jack, adding diced jalapeños to the filling for a fiery kick that enhances the chicken's richness.
• Green Salsa Verde Enchiladas: Replace the cream-based sauce with tangy salsa verde, incorporating roasted tomatillos for a bright, zesty flavor profile that complements the creamy chicken.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Substitute shredded chicken with seasoned black beans and roasted corn, maintaining the creamy texture while creating a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Southwestern Ranch Enchiladas: Mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese filling and sauce, introducing a bold southwestern flavor that adds depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.

Why Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Are a Comfort Food Favorite

• Savor Creamy Comfort: These enchiladas deliver a luxurious, velvety experience with rich cream cheese and melted Mexican cheese that hugs each tender chicken-filled tortilla.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal twists by allowing simple additions like jalapeños, olives, or tomatoes, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Speed Meets Satisfaction: Whipped up in under 45 minutes, this one-pan meal provides a restaurant-quality dinner without complex cooking techniques, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Zesty lime, spicy chili powder, and green chiles create a balanced taste profile that appeals to both mild and bold palate preferences, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to enjoy.

Ingredients for Making Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender meat that provides the main protein and hearty texture for the enchiladas.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy smoothness and helps bind the filling together.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts beautifully and adds classic cheesy flavor to the dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth base for the sauce and adds richness.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base for the creamy enchilada sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Diced Green Chiles: Provides a mild, tangy flavor and subtle heat to the dish.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the creamy ingredients.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional wrap that holds the filling and absorbs the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes, Sliced Olives, Sliced Jalapeños, Chopped Green Onions: Optional toppings that provide extra color, texture, and flavor complexity.

How to Assemble and Bake Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded chicken
• Mexican cheese blend
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder

Add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Roll Enchilada Packages

Lay out corn tortillas and place a generous scoop of chicken mixture in the center of each. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Enchilada Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until the mixture turns golden. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add green chiles and remaining cream cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luxurious sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they’re completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining Mexican cheese on top. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For an extra crispy top, switch to broil during the last few minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced olives
• Chopped jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy the burst of southwestern flavors!

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican magic unfolds with creamy chicken enchiladas, a comfort classic packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Cheesy tortillas embracing tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chiles
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnishing

Optional Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced olives
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Create a luxurious filling by blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, Mexican cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. Massage the ingredients until they form a smooth, harmonious mixture with balanced seasoning.
3. Carefully lay out corn tortillas and distribute the chicken blend evenly across the center of each. Roll each tortilla tightly, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared dish to maintain their shape.
4. Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and introducing flour. Stir continuously until the roux develops a golden hue, then gradually incorporate chicken broth to prevent clumping.
5. Enhance the sauce with green chiles and remaining cream cheese, stirring until it transforms into a thick, creamy consistency that clings to the enchiladas.
6. Generously cascade the sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the remaining Mexican cheese across the top, creating a blanket of potential golden crispness.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler during the final moments of cooking.
8. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period. Decorate with fresh cilantro and optional embellishments like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or spicy jalapeños to elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize your enchiladas with personal flavor twists like adding roasted peppers or swapping chicken for shredded beef.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this a perfect make-ahead meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg