![- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1 cup sour cream - 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce, divided - 8 small flour tortillas - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish To make these Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, you will first need the main ingredients. Shredded chicken gives you a great base. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Cream cheese brings creaminess. The cheddar adds a nice cheesy flavor. Sour cream helps bind everything together. The enchilada sauce adds spice and moisture. Next, you will want to mix in the seasonings. Garlic powder gives a rich taste. Ground cumin adds warmth. Chili powder brings a touch of heat. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, don't forget the garnish! Fresh cilantro adds color and a burst of freshness. It makes the dish look and taste even better. You can find the full recipe above for step-by-step guidance on making these delicious enchiladas. - Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread about ¼ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps keep the enchiladas from sticking. - Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Mix Thoroughly: Stir until everything blends into a creamy filling. This part is key for great flavor. - Fill & Roll Tortillas: Take a flour tortilla and place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. - Arrange in Baking Dish: Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and snugly fit in the dish. - Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Make sure all are well covered. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. - Baking Time: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Cool and Slice: Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice. - Garnish and Serve: Before serving, add fresh cilantro on top for a nice touch. Follow these steps for a tasty meal! For full details, check out the Full Recipe. - Flour vs. Corn Tortillas: Which to use? I prefer flour tortillas for these enchiladas. They are soft and easy to roll. Corn tortillas are good too, but they can break. If you love corn, use them! - How to warm tortillas for easier rolling To warm tortillas, heat them in a pan for 10-15 seconds each side. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. - Adding Spice: Optional ingredients for heat If you like heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also use spicy enchilada sauce. This adds a nice kick! - Using Different Cheeses: Variations for cheese lovers Try mixing different cheeses for fun flavors. Pepper jack cheese adds spice. Mozzarella makes it super gooey. Experiment with what you love! - Substitutions: Low-fat cream cheese or chicken alternatives For a lighter dish, use low-fat cream cheese. You can also use shredded turkey for a leaner option. Both keep the creaminess but cut calories. - Add Vegetables: Mix in spinach or peppers Adding veggies boosts the nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini mix in well. You can sneak in extra greens without losing flavor. For more cooking tips, check out my [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} - Replace Chicken with Beans: You can use black beans or pinto beans. This makes a tasty, meatless option. - Additional Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. These veggies blend well with the creamy filling. - Adding Jalapeños: Slice fresh or pickled jalapeños into the filling. This adds a nice heat and flavor to your enchiladas. - Spicy Enchilada Sauce: Use a spicy store-bought sauce or make your own. A homemade blend can include tomatoes, chili powder, and garlic for a kick. - Extra Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack or mozzarella cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and add depth to the dish. - Cheese Sauce Topping: For an ultra-creamy touch, drizzle cheese sauce over the enchiladas before baking. This option is great for cheese lovers! Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect enchiladas! You can explore more about these options in the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, place the enchiladas in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge. For the best taste, eat them within 3 to 4 days. The flavors will stay good, but the texture may change over time. If you want to keep the enchiladas longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each enchilada in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can bake them straight from frozen. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. If they are thawed, bake for 20 minutes until warm. These methods help keep your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas delicious and ready to eat! Yes, you can prepare these enchiladas in advance. Just follow these tips: - Assemble the enchiladas but do not bake them yet. - Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. - Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, uncover and bake them as directed. To create a balanced meal, consider these sides: - Mexican rice brings a nice texture. - Refried beans add protein and fiber. - Guacamole offers a creamy contrast. - Corn salad gives freshness and color. These options will make your meal fun and tasty. Absolutely! You can use other proteins like: - Ground turkey for a lighter option. - Shredded beef for a hearty flavor. - Black beans for a vegetarian choice. These alternatives fit well in this easy recipe. You can make your own enchilada sauce with simple ingredients. Here’s a quick recipe: - 1 can of tomato sauce - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these and simmer for about 10 minutes. You can also use salsa if you need a quick substitute. Yes! You can easily make these enchiladas gluten-free: - Use corn tortillas instead of flour. - Check your enchilada sauce for gluten. Many brands are gluten-free. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy this dish. This recipe for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas offers tasty flavors with simple steps. We covered each ingredient, from the chicken to the spices, and how to assemble and bake the dish. I shared tips for storage, making it ahead of time, and even variations like vegetarian options. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just yourself, these enchiladas are sure to please. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal everyone will love!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d539b798-2f32-40c8-a7bf-4e9d580a4238-250x250.webp)
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Indulge in these creamy chicken enchiladas that are sure to impress your family and friends! This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful spices, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and add this delicious dish to your meal rotation!