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To make these tasty enchiladas, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided - 1 cup salsa (choose your heat level) - 8 small flour tortillas - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy filling that makes each bite delightful. You can always add a few extras to boost the taste. Here are some good options: - Diced bell peppers for crunch - Black beans for extra protein - Jalapeños for a spicy kick - Corn for sweetness - Avocado slices for creaminess These additions can make your enchiladas even more exciting and unique. If you don't have something on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. - Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Replace Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack. - Use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. These substitutions keep the essence of the dish while allowing you to use what you have. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to baking the enchiladas evenly. A hot oven helps to melt the cheese and warm the tortillas nicely. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided - 1 cup salsa - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper to taste Blend these items well until you have a smooth filling. The creamy texture from the cream cheese adds richness to the dish. You can adjust the salsa to make it spicier or milder, depending on your taste. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking. Now, take a tortilla and add about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling in the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat this for all tortillas until the dish is full. Once all the tortillas are in the dish, pour the remaining salsa over the top. Then sprinkle the rest of the Monterey Jack cheese and chopped green onions over the enchiladas. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to bubble and turn golden. When done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy delight! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make the best cream cheese chicken enchiladas, use fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken and real cream cheese give the best flavor. Always soften your cream cheese. This step makes mixing easier and creates a smooth filling. When you fill the tortillas, don’t overstuff them. About 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla works well. This helps them stay rolled and not spill. Bake your enchiladas covered for the first part of the cooking time. This keeps them moist. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Watch closely in the last minutes to avoid burning. Serve your enchiladas right from the oven. This keeps them warm and delicious. Use a large spoon to scoop them out gently. Keep the enchiladas intact for a pretty look. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for color. Add a side of extra salsa or sour cream. These dips enhance the flavors and add fun for your guests. A common mistake is skipping the seasoning. Always season your filling with salt and pepper. Taste it before you wrap the tortillas. Another mistake is using cold cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Lastly, don’t skip the baking step. Baking helps blend the flavors. You can find the full recipe to ensure you don’t miss any steps. {{image_4}} You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Simply swap the chicken for a mix of veggies. Use diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a colorful filling. The cream cheese adds creaminess, and the salsa gives it a nice kick. This version is just as satisfying and keeps all the creamy goodness you love. If you like heat, add more spice! Use a spicier salsa or add chopped jalapeños to the filling. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. This option will wake up your taste buds and make your enchiladas pop with flavor. Just be sure to balance the spice with enough cream cheese to keep it creamy. To make these enchiladas gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They hold up well and add a nice texture. You can also check labels on your salsa and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal without worry. For the full recipe, check out the instructions earlier in this article. To store leftover enchiladas, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep them moist and tasty. Reheat your enchiladas in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Add a little salsa or broth to keep them from drying out. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them. Just heat for one to two minutes, checking often. Freezing enchiladas is simple. To freeze, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them in foil. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy this creamy delight anytime! For the full recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Feel free to swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack. Each cheese will add its own flavor. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while pepper jack adds a nice kick. Mixing cheeses can also create a unique blend. Just remember to keep the overall amount the same, around one cup. This will ensure your enchiladas stay creamy and delicious. Making enchiladas ahead of time is easy. You can prepare them up to a day in advance. Just follow the filling and assembly steps, then cover the dish with foil. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. When you're ready to eat, just bake them as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes meal prep simple and stress-free! Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas pair well with various sides. Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice - Refried beans - Corn salad - Guacamole - Sour cream These sides add color and flavor to your meal. You can also serve a fresh salad to balance the richness. Enjoy your tasty spread! For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Delight Chicken Enchiladas. We explored the main ingredients and steps for making cream cheese chicken enchiladas. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and presentations for serving. Variations, like vegetarian and gluten-free, offer more choices. Don't forget storage and reheating for leftovers. These enchiladas are tasty and easy to make, perfect for any meal. Now, you have all you need to create your own delicious dish. Enjoy cooking and sharing these enchiladas with family and friends.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? Try these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! This easy recipe combines creamy cheese and tender chicken for a meal your whole family will adore. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Click through for the full recipe and tips to customize your enchiladas for an even more exciting dinner experience! Don’t wait, make dinner magical tonight!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

1 cup salsa (adjust to your desired heat level)

8 small flour tortillas

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup of salsa, garlic powder, ground cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy filling.

      Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of salsa over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and add extra flavor to the enchiladas.

        Fill the Tortillas: Take one tortilla and place it on a flat surface. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of the tortilla. Carefully roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling stays enclosed, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

          Top the Enchiladas: Once all the filled tortillas are arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining salsa over the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the chopped green onions evenly over the enchiladas for added flavor and color.

            Bake the Enchiladas: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tortillas to warm.

              Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and lightly golden on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                    - Total Time: 50 minutes

                      - Servings: 4

                        Presentation Tips: Serve these enchiladas hot from the oven, allowing guests to see the cheesy goodness. You can also add a side of extra salsa and sour cream for dipping, alongside some lightly dressed mixed greens to balance the richness. Enjoy your creamy delight!