Irresistible Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Night

Weeknight dinners get a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering creamy chicken enchiladas recipe that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tender, juicy chicken nestles in soft tortillas, blanketed by a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure comfort.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures that dance across your palate.

The secret lies in the carefully selected ingredients that meld together into a truly irresistible dish.

Packed with protein and bursting with zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings, these enchiladas turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Dive into this recipe and watch as these enchiladas become an instant favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Dinner

• Cream Cheese: Provides a luxurious, smooth base that binds the chicken and adds creamy richness.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use tender, pre-cooked chicken for convenience and quick assembly.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts beautifully, delivering a zesty and authentic southwestern flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a silky roux foundation for the enchilada sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory notes and helps create a light, flavorful sauce.
• Diced Green Chiles: Adds a subtle, mild heat and bright, tangy undertones.
• Lime Juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness to balance the rich sauce.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that provides authentic texture and flavor.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient for those wanting an extra kick of warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
• Optional Toppings (Diced Tomatoes, Sliced Olives, Sliced Jalapeños, Chopped Green Onions): Provide extra layers of color, texture, and personalized flavor.

Tools to Prepare Creamy Chicken Enchiladas at Home

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken filling ingredients smoothly.
• Casserole dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for baking and holding all enchiladas neatly.
• Medium saucepan: Needed for creating the creamy, rich sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Cutting board: Helps with chopping cilantro and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing chicken and preparing toppings.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Easy Instructions for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Cozy Chicken Enchilada Adventure

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to your baking dish so nothing sticks.

• Flavor Fusion

Grab a big bowl and mix tender shredded chicken with silky cream cheese, zesty cheese, and a splash of lime for a magical filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Tortilla Wrapping

Carefully roll your savory chicken mixture into soft corn tortillas, tucking each one snugly into the baking dish like little flavor pillows.

• Dreamy Sauce Creation

Melt butter in a pan and whisk in flour until it looks golden. Pour in chicken broth slowly, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in green chiles and extra cream cheese until the sauce transforms into a rich, creamy blanket.

• Cheesy Bake

Pour your luxurious sauce over the enchiladas, sprinkle a generous handful of cheese on top, and bake until everything looks bubbly and irresistible.

• Final Touches

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Scatter fresh cilantro on top and add any fun extras like diced tomatoes or spicy jalapeños for a flavor explosion.

Substitution Ideas for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Swap: Replace shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist that keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Tortilla Tricks: Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or try authentic corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican experience. Warm tortillas briefly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chiles. Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cover with foil before baking to prevent cheese from over-browning. Simply add 5-10 minutes to cooking time when baking from cold.
• Leftover Love: Store remaining enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispy edges and prevent soggy texture, adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top.

Serving Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Family Style

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Serve these creamy chicken enchiladas alongside Mexican-style rice for a complete and satisfying meal that brings authentic flavors to your table.
• Cool & Refreshing Sidekick: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with avocado slices and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy enchiladas and add a fresh contrast.
• Flavor Boosters: Enhance the dish with quick toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of salsa verde to add extra layers of tangy and spicy goodness that complement the creamy texture.
• Drink Harmony: Complement the enchiladas with a cold Mexican beer, refreshing margarita, or homemade agua fresca to cleanse the palate and elevate the overall dining experience.

Best Methods to Store Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for maximum protection. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent sogginess. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the filling moist and prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken filling and sauce a day in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor intensity.

Dreamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy chicken enchiladas blend Mexican culinary traditions with comforting cheese sauce. Sour cream, green chiles, and tender chicken create a delicious meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chiles
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnishing
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced olives
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Filling Creation: Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, lime juice, and chili powder in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-seasoned, ensuring uniform flavor distribution.
3. Tortilla Assembly: Lay out corn tortillas and evenly spread the chicken mixture across the center of each. Roll tightly and arrange seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to maintain structural integrity.
4. Sauce Development: In a saucepan, create a golden roux by melting butter and incorporating flour. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps, then introduce green chiles and remaining cream cheese, stirring until the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Final Preparation: Pour the sauce generously over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the remaining Mexican cheese on top to create a melting layer of golden potential.
6. Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For a crispy finish, activate the broiler during the final cooking moments, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serving: Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or jalapeños to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Perfectly Blend Filling: Mix chicken, cream cheese, and seasonings until smooth to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
• Roll Tortillas Strategically: Tightly wrap tortillas seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking and maintain structural integrity.
• Create Lump-Free Sauce: Gradually add chicken broth to roux while continuously stirring to develop a silky, clump-free sauce.
• Broil for Golden Finish: Activate broiler in the final minutes of cooking to achieve a crispy, golden cheese topping that adds texture and visual appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg