Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas might be just what you need. These enchiladas are easy to prepare, taking only a few minutes, and they’re packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making each batch unique. Plus, they can be made healthier with simple ingredient swaps. Ready to learn how to make this satisfying dish? Let’s get into the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas stand out as a fantastic choice.

You’ll love how simple the ingredients are—just chicken, cream cheese, tortillas, and enchilada sauce. Preparing them only takes about 3-6 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Additionally, using an electric hand mixer can make shredding the chicken even easier.

Plus, you can easily customize the recipe with toppings like corn, onions, or different cheeses. If you have leftover chicken, you can use that for extra convenience.

Each serving is packed with protein and offers a balance of calories. With the option to use whole wheat tortillas or reduced-fat cream cheese, you can make it healthier while still enjoying a creamy and satisfying meal.

History

Enchiladas have a rich history that dates back to ancient Mesoamerica, where the Aztecs first rolled tortillas around various fillings, such as fish. Corn tortillas were a staple of their diet, forming the base of this beloved dish. The term “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “enchilar,” meaning to season with chili, highlighting the importance of chili peppers in enchiladas. As time went on, different regions in Mexico created their own variations, like enchiladas verdes and enchiladas rojas, each showcasing local ingredients. Enchiladas reflect the culinary traditions of the Mexican culture, with pre-Columbian roots that still influence recipes today. This dish not only tells a story of history but also celebrates the diverse flavors found in Mexican cuisine, including the popular cream cheese filling that has become a modern favorite in many households.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– Cooked shredded chicken
– Cream cheese
– Enchilada sauce
– Flour tortillas
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– Optional: black beans, cooked rice, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer a slightly different texture, you can preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, enchilada sauce, and any desired spices (such as chili powder and cumin). Mix until well combined.
Take a flour tortilla and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on it. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to enclose the filling.
Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat the process until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
Pour additional enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, guaranteeing they’re well covered. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch, broil the dish for an additional 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden top. Tortillas can be omitted for a low-carb version.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes like diced onions, black olives, avocado, or sour cream.

Extra Tips:

When preparing cream cheese chicken enchiladas, consider making them in advance and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

You can also experiment with different enchilada sauces or cheese blends for variety. For added texture, throw in some corn or diced green chilies.

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference to make sure everyone enjoys the dish!

Final Thoughts

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas are a delicious meal that can easily become a favorite in your household. They combine tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and flavorful spices, offering a satisfying dish that’s high in protein. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time and make the preparation even easier.

With 230 calories per serving, they fit well into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Plus, using whole grain tortillas adds fiber, making them even more nutritious.

Remember to customize your enchiladas with extra toppings like salsa or avocado for added flavor. When preparing, follow the steps carefully to guarantee your enchiladas are perfectly baked, with melted cheese and bubbly sauce.

FAQ

When you’re making cream cheese chicken enchiladas, you might’ve some questions about the process and ingredients.

First, preheat your oven to 350-375°F for baking. The prep time is usually quick and easy, involving key ingredients like cream cheese, shredded chicken, and enchilada sauce. This dish features a creamy chicken filling that makes it a family favorite with Mexican flavors.

You can customize your enchiladas by adding green chiles or corn for extra flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.

Use flour tortillas that fit your baking dish, and consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Layer your enchiladas with tortillas, filling, sauce, and cheese, then bake for 25-45 minutes until they’re hot and bubbly.

Serve them hot, topped with cheese and garnished with green onions or cilantro.