Creamy Dream: The Best Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand seriously delicious cream cheese chicken enchiladas that promise pure comfort.

Rich, creamy ingredients blend seamlessly in this south-of-the-border inspired dish.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with melted cheese and zesty spices.

Soft tortillas wrap around a luxurious filling that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical on your dinner plate.

You’ll want to savor every single cheesy, hearty morsel of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Why Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Never Disappoint

• Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Delight
• Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• From preparation to serving, these enchiladas take just 45 minutes total, making them perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adaptable to personal preferences, you can swap chicken for beef, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings like sour cream or guacamole to suit everyone’s taste buds.
• These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them an excellent option for leftovers and advanced meal planning for work lunches or quick dinners.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy meat that provides the primary protein base for the enchiladas. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works best for quick preparation.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth texture to the filling. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and consistency.

• Tortillas, Enchilada Sauce: Soft flour tortillas wrap the filling, while the sauce adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor. Corn tortillas can be substituted for a different texture.

• Green Chilies, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices and herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Fresh green chilies can replace canned for a more vibrant taste.

• Cilantro, Tomatoes, Jalapenos: Fresh toppings that add color, freshness, and optional heat to the final dish. These can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Steps to Roll Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Soft cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced green chilies
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated mixture.

Step 3: Build Your Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Take a tortilla and scoop about one-third cup of chicken filling into its center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the pan.

Step 4: Add Saucy Goodness

Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese across the top for extra meltiness.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños. Accompany with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Enchilada Tips for Creamy, Savory Results

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality cream cheese and rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust green chilies and add jalapenos to control the heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Prevent Tortilla Dryness: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Allow enchiladas to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for cheese to set and flavors to blend perfectly.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare filling and assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Enchiladas

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm enchiladas at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added moisture.
• Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to maintain softness.
• Wrap cooled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Works with Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that cuts through the creamy enchiladas, enhancing the dish’s rich flavors.
• Grab a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the spicy green chilies and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken filling.
• Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add bright, fresh notes that lighten the enchiladas’ richness.
• Create a simple rice side dish with fresh cilantro and lime zest to add a zingy, herbaceous element that perfectly matches the enchiladas’ Mexican-inspired profile.

Chicken Enchilada Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas: Replace tortillas with thin zucchini strips, creating a lighter, vegetable-based version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining rich, creamy flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt, using dairy-free cheese substitutes to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or plant-based chicken alternatives like jackfruit or tofu crumbles for a meat-free protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with cream cheese chicken enchiladas, blending rich flavors and creamy textures. Hearty tortillas stuffed with tender chicken and velvety cream cheese promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Dairy:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

Additional Ingredients:

• 8–10 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Create a luxurious filling by thoroughly blending shredded poultry with velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, grated cheese, zesty green chilies, and aromatic seasonings until ingredients form a harmonious mixture.
3. Craft the enchilada base by spreading a thin layer of crimson enchilada sauce across the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully construct each enchilada by positioning a generous portion of the creamy chicken blend into the center of a soft tortilla, then roll tightly and nestle seam-side down within the prepared dish.
5. Enhance the dish by drizzling the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Liberally sprinkle additional shredded cheese across the surface to create a golden, melted topping.
7. Protect the enchiladas with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then expose the dish and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.
8. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, or spicy sliced jalapenos if desired.
9. Serve immediately alongside complementary Mexican-style rice and hearty beans for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and boost protein, creating a lighter version of the dish.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds authentic Mexican flavor and texture.
• Quickly shred rotisserie chicken to save time and ensure tender, flavorful meat without extra cooking steps.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the filling for a bright, zesty kick that enhances the overall taste profile of the enchiladas.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg