If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances comforting creaminess with bold Mexican flavors, this Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is absolutely your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick to whip up, packed with tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, layered with a luscious, tangy sauce, and smothered in melted cheese that will make every bite pure joy. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, these enchiladas hit all the right notes for a satisfying dinner that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in making this Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe shine. From the juicy shredded chicken to the creamy sauce, every element adds flavor, texture, or a pop of color that makes these enchiladas irresistible.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein base that makes these enchiladas filling and flavorful; rotisserie chicken saves time perfectly.
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a nice pop in every bite.
- 6-8 flour tortillas, taco size: Soft and pliable, flour tortillas hold the filling beautifully and create the perfect wrap; feel free to use alternatives like cassava or whole wheat for variety.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella: Melts into gooey goodness, giving that signature cheesy pull we all love.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings a vibrant tang and provides the base flavor for our creamy sauce.
- 1 chipotle pepper: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick that wakes up the dish brilliantly.
- 1 cup sour cream or yogurt: The star creamy component that smooths out the sauce while keeping it rich and luscious.
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning: Infuses the enchiladas with that classic Mexican flair, perfectly seasoning both the filling and sauce.
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles: These add mild heat and a bit of texture, elevating the overall flavor balance.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s just right when your enchiladas are ready to bake. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Sauce
In a blender, combine the salsa, chipotle pepper, sour cream, salt (mindful of your taco seasoning’s saltiness), and taco seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy. Once blended, stir in the canned diced green chiles for added bite and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the blended sauce to use later. Add the shredded chicken, corn, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the remaining sauce in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so the filling is packed with flavor and has a creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Scoop approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in your prepared baking dish—they should fit snugly but not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese for Baking
Pour the reserved sauce evenly over the arranged enchiladas, gently coating each one with that creamy goodness. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese melts into a deliciously golden layer. This step transforms all the components into one harmonious dish that you can’t wait to dig into.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes truly elevate this Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. Try topping your enchiladas with chopped cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Each addition brings a fresh brightness and contrast to the creamy, cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair these enchiladas with a crisp salad of mixed greens or a Mexican-style rice that absorbs all the flavorful sauce. Refried beans or black beans also work beautifully, providing earthy undertones that complement the dish’s creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve the enchiladas on individual plates drizzled with extra sauce and garnished artistically with colorful toppings. For a casual gathering, serve in the baking dish with bowls of toppings on the side for everyone to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop and meld.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a tightly sealed container or foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warmed through. To keep the cheese melty, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds deliciously tender, ready-to-use shredded chicken, speeding up your prep without compromising flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative and use vegan cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful while accommodating dietary preferences.
How spicy is the Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
It has a gentle kick from the chipotle pepper and green chiles, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by using more or less chipotle or removing the seeds.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply choose gluten-free tortillas such as those made from corn or almond flour to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
What cheese works best if I can’t find Monterey Jack?
Mozzarella is a great substitute for a mild, melty texture. You can also experiment with a mild cheddar or a blend to create your own perfect topping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite, try this Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe the next time you want something quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken filling, it’s destined to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. I promise, your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
These creamy chicken enchiladas are a quick and easy weeknight Mexican dinner featuring shredded chicken, corn, and a flavorful creamy chipotle sauce baked with cheese in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (can use store-bought rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 6–8 flour tortillas (taco size; flour, cassava, coconut, whole wheat, or low carb)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
Sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 chipotle pepper
- 1 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Baking Dish. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce. In a blender, combine salsa, chipotle pepper, sour cream, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt (consider seasoning salt content). Blend until smooth.
- Add Chilies. Stir in the canned diced green chiles into the blended sauce until evenly mixed.
- Combine Filling. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the sauce for topping. In a bowl, mix the remaining sauce with shredded chicken, corn, and 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Assemble Enchiladas. Spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese. Pour the reserved sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted.
Notes
- Check your taco seasoning for salt content and adjust added salt accordingly; homemade taco seasoning offers better salt control.
- Store-bought rotisserie chicken and frozen or canned corn make this recipe faster and more convenient.
- To reduce fat and calorie content, use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
