Introduction
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich and creamy flavors of cream cheese with tender chicken and flavorful enchilada sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it is sure to impress everyone with its savory taste and comforting texture. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these enchiladas are a great option for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
To make these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
3. 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
4. 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
7. 8-10 flour tortillas
8. Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the enchilada sauce, green chilies, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each flour tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Garnish with additional cilantro before serving.
Variations
There are several ways to customize these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas to suit your taste preferences:
– Add diced onions and bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
– Substitute the red enchilada sauce with green enchilada sauce for a different twist.
– Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
– Mix in some cooked black beans or corn for added protein and sweetness.
– Top the enchiladas with sliced olives, jalapeños, or avocado for a finishing touch.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened to easily mix it with the other ingredients.
– Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option, or boil and shred chicken breasts at home.
– Warm the flour tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
– Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
– Double the recipe and freeze half for a convenient future meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings together the creamy goodness of cream cheese, the heartiness of chicken, and the zesty flavors of enchilada sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a satisfying meal that will please your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you enjoy them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely, shredded turkey works well as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze these enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Delicious and easy-to-make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas that combine the rich flavors of cream cheese with tender chicken and zesty enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress with their savory taste and comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the enchilada sauce, green chilies, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Spoon the chicken mixture onto each flour tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
-
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
-
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
-
Garnish with additional cilantro before serving.
