Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious twist on the classic enchilada. These enchiladas feature tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a luscious cream cheese-based sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a get-together, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-make and flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

For the enchiladas:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 10 small flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the cream cheese sauce:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

For topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder, mixing well.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts in a skillet or Instant Pot and shred them once cooked.
Once the chicken is shredded, set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Pour about 1/4 cup of the cream cheese sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Next, take each flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the shredded chicken onto the center. Sprinkle a little of the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken.
Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue until all the tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Enchiladas

Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining cream cheese sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the sauce.

Step 6: Bake the Enchiladas

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is slightly golden.
For an extra golden top, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
These creamy enchiladas are perfect with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad.

Cooking Notes & Tips

• Shredded Chicken: For the easiest prep, use rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful, tender, and cuts down on cooking time. You can also cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them at home.
• Tortillas: While flour tortillas work best for a soft texture, you can also use corn tortillas for a more traditional taste. Just be careful not to overfill them, as corn tortillas tend to break more easily than flour.
• Sauce Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices in the cream cheese sauce according to your preferences. Add more chili powder for heat, or swap in some taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of bake time if baking from cold.

Variations

1. Spicy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the cream cheese sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy green chilies if you want to dial up the heat.

2. Chicken Enchiladas with Vegetables

For a heartier dish, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and zucchini to the chicken mixture. These vegetables will add both flavor and texture, making your enchiladas even more satisfying.

3. Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa

Add a layer of salsa between the chicken and cheese for a tangy, fresh element. This is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional enchilada flavor.

4. Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of regular flour tortillas for a low-carb version of this recipe. The creamy filling and sauce will still make these enchiladas just as indulgent and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combination, you can use Mexican blend cheese, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a bit of spice.

2. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven, and bake as instructed.

3. How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

4. Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze these enchiladas! Assemble the enchiladas, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover the baking dish with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with tender chicken and soft tortillas makes for an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe is simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Give these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas a try at your next dinner and watch them disappear!