Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries creamy goodness and zesty flavor: Chicken Cream Cheese Enchiladas! This delightful Mexican-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting meal that can be whipped up in just 45 minutes. Imagine tender tortillas filled with a luscious mixture of shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of salsa, all baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly topping. Your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll be the star of the dinner table! Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 6 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of salsa. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and create a creamy, uniform filling.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken cream cheese mixture down the center of each tortilla.
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from falling out, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Once all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish, spread the remaining salsa over the top of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or additional salsa before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before assembling the enchiladas.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Tortilla Technique: Warming the tortillas is key! This step makes them pliable and prevents tearing, ensuring a neat roll.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Salsa Selection: Use your favorite salsa—whether it's mild, medium, or hot—to control the heat level of your enchiladas.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to top your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for a burst of freshness and color.
- Baking Perfection: Keep an eye on the enchiladas as they bake; you want them bubbly and golden but not burnt.
- Leftover Love: These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them a perfect option for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
