Irresistible Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas represent a mouthwatering culinary adventure that upgrades traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine into a decadent comfort food experience.

These delectable rolls combine unexpected ingredients with classic flavor profiles, creating a dish that surprises and satisfies hungry diners.

Soft tortillas embrace a luxurious filling where tender proteins mingle with smooth, tangy dairy elements.

Warm spices dance throughout each bite, delivering complex layers of taste that elevate the entire meal.

Rich and indulgent, this recipe breaks away from standard enchilada preparations with its distinctive creamy twist.

Subtle nuances of heat and richness interplay to produce a truly memorable dining sensation.

Why Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Are a Comfort Classic

• Creamy Comfort Explosion: Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and melted cheddar that creates an irresistibly smooth, rich texture perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: This recipe requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and bakes in just 20-25 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: With flexible ingredients like adjustable salsa levels, optional toppings, and the ability to swap chicken or cheese types, these enchiladas allow home cooks to personalize their dining experience while maintaining a consistent, crowd-pleasing base recipe.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Offering 18 grams of protein per serving, these enchiladas provide a balanced meal that supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the evening.

What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the main filling, providing substantial and satisfying texture.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.

• Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide sharp flavor and create a gooey topping.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the filling.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that serve as the wrap for the filling.
• Salsa: Provides moisture, flavor, and a zesty sauce for the enchiladas.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild, oniony brightness to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Warm spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the enchiladas.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds texture and subtle sweetness to the filling.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Tonight

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Cheddar cheese
• Pepper jack cheese
• Chili powder
• Cumin

• Shredded chicken
• Corn
• Half of the chopped green onions

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread of salsa across the bottom of the baking dish. Take each tortilla and fill with about of the mixture. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Pour the remaining salsa over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and golden.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with the remaining green onions. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional sour cream or salsa on the side if desired.

Tips to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Even Creamier

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts in seasoned water for more tender, flavorful meat that easily breaks apart.
• Maximize Cheese Creaminess: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Wrap Tortillas Tight: Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling enchiladas.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a dash of smoked paprika or jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick of spice and complexity.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain excess liquid from salsa and corn to maintain a rich, thick filling that won't make tortillas mushy.

Keeping Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Delicious

• Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Carefully place the enchiladas in the container, keeping them flat to prevent soggy tortillas. Cover the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from seeping in.
• Freezing: Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Add a date label to track storage time and ensure maximum quality.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tasty Sides to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Margarita: Blend tangy lime, tequila, and triple sec to complement the creamy, spicy enchiladas. The citrus notes cut through the rich cheese and balance the dish's warmth.
• Match with Crisp Cilantro Slaw: Create a light, refreshing side salad with shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño. This crunchy accompaniment provides a cool contrast to the hot, cheesy enchiladas.
• Serve with Refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca: Blend cucumber, water, and a hint of mint for a hydrating drink that soothes the palate. Its light, clean flavor helps balance the enchiladas' richness and spice.
• Complement with Mexican Beer Pairing: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to enhance the meal's flavor profile. The light, crisp beer cuts through the creamy texture and adds a classic Mexican dining experience.

Creative Variations on Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Replace regular salsa with roasted green chiles, adding a smoky southwestern flavor and extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Shredded Beef Enchiladas: Swap chicken for tender slow-cooked shredded beef, creating a rich and hearty alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Substitute chicken with black beans and sautéed bell peppers, keeping the cream cheese base while offering a protein-packed meatless option.
• Spicy Chipotle Enchiladas: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the cream cheese mixture, delivering a deep, smoky spiciness that elevates the entire dish.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with a creamy twist. Rich chicken nestles in tortillas, blanketed by zesty sauce and melted cheese, promising a delightful meal that satisfies your craving for bold, hearty flavors.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 5 ounces (142 grams) cream cheese (softened)

Cheeses and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup sour cream

Produce and Seasonings:

• 4 green onions (thinly sliced, divided)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) jar prepared salsa (divided)
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch each)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Create a creamy filling by whisking the softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, chili powder, and cumin in a mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
3. Fold the shredded chicken, corn kernels, and half of the chopped green onions into the cheese mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Spread of salsa across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
5. Fill each tortilla with approximately of the chicken and cheese mixture, carefully rolling them tightly and positioning them seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Drizzle the remaining salsa over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring even coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top of the enchiladas.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining chopped green onions.
10. Allow the enchiladas to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, optionally topping with additional sour cream or salsa to taste.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with these creamy, zesty enchiladas that blend Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting cheese goodness.
• Customize the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa to match your taste preferences perfectly.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, making this recipe a quick and convenient meal solution for busy households.
• Prep time is minimal, allowing you to have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Freezer-friendly option available: assemble enchiladas, wrap tightly in plastic, and store for up to 3 months before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 372 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 668mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 65mg