Introduction
Cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This flavorful Mexican-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.
With the perfect balance of savory chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a mouthwatering dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
From preparing the ingredients to assembling the enchiladas and baking them to perfection, this recipe will guide you through each step with easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you are a fan of spicy dishes or prefer a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on making these delicious cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce and discover how to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 8-10 flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 can diced green chilies
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 can diced green chilies
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, onion, black beans, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Variations
There are endless possibilities for customizing this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add diced bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
– Substitute shredded beef or pork for the chicken for a different twist on the classic recipe.
– Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free version of the dish.
– Spice things up by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique flavor profile.
– Top the enchiladas with sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro before serving for a colorful presentation.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce turn out perfectly every time:
– To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for the filling.
– Warm the tortillas slightly before filling and rolling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.
– Make a double batch of the creamy sauce and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later on.
– Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
– Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
– Customize the level of spice in the dish by adjusting the amount of chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce are a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal at home, these enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying option that will have everyone coming back for more.
So, the next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that is easy to make and sure to please, give this recipe a try. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this Mexican-inspired dish and savor every bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply pour the sauce over the enchiladas right before baking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What should I serve with cheesy chicken enchiladas?
A: These enchiladas pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh green salad, or chips and salsa. Feel free to customize the sides to suit your taste preferences.
Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making the creamy sauce from scratch?
A: Yes, you can substitute store-bought enchilada sauce for the homemade creamy sauce if you prefer. Simply pour the enchilada sauce over the assembled enchiladas before baking.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce
Cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce are a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a flavorful creamy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
-
8-10 flour tortillas
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1 can diced green chilies
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1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup sour cream
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, onion, black beans, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
-
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
-
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
-
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened.
-
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies. Season with salt and pepper.
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Pour the creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
