Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Comfort Food Delight

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening? Cream cheese chicken enchiladas deliver just that with their creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in soft tortillas. Each bite bursts with flavor, combining tender chicken with the rich texture of cream cheese, all topped with zesty enchilada sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme.

My fondest memories revolve around making cream cheese chicken enchiladas with my family. The aroma wafting through the kitchen always signals that something special is cooking. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a festive celebration, these enchiladas bring people together. Anticipation builds as they bake to perfection, golden and bubbly, waiting to be devoured. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful dish that guarantees smiles all around!

Key Ingredients For Cream cheese chicken enchiladas

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe; feel free to adjust based on your serving needs.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling; it blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe as they roll easily without breaking.
• Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought or homemade varieties work well; choose one that suits your flavor preference.
• Shredded Cheese: Opt for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; it melts perfectly and adds extra flavor.
• Onion: Use finely chopped onions for added sweetness and texture in the filling.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor profile and adds a vibrant touch when garnishing.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness while adding depth to the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Cream cheese chicken enchiladas

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in a large pot filled with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.

Second Step: Cook the Chicken

Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding it using two forks.

Third Step: Make Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped onions, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined; this will serve as your filling.

Fourth Step: Assemble Enchiladas

Place approximately three tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Fifth Step: Add Sauce and Bake

Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, then sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

Final Step: Serve

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Transfer to plates and enjoy your delicious cream cheese chicken enchiladas!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For quicker preparation, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own.
• Add Spice: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to your filling mixture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare these enchiladas ahead of time by assembling them without baking; cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Cooking Instructions

To prepare your delicious cream cheese chicken enchiladas, start by cooking the chicken. Boil or grill until fully cooked, then shred the meat using two forks. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, diced green chilies, and spices of your choice.

Next, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for easier rolling. Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll them tightly. Arrange these enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and green salsa for a creamy sauce. Pour this over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well covered. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese chicken enchiladas can be served in various delightful ways:

• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with Sides: Pair with Mexican rice or black beans to create a complete meal.
• Add Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy texture that complements the enchiladas perfectly.

Storage Tips

To store leftover cream cheese chicken enchiladas, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy your enchiladas later without compromising taste.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients. A typical serving contains protein from chicken and calcium from the cheese. The addition of vegetables like green chilies boosts fiber content as well.

This dish can be customized to fit different dietary needs by using low-fat cream cheese or whole grain tortillas. Always consider portion sizes to ensure you’re enjoying this dish as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

What is the best type of chicken to use for cream cheese chicken enchiladas?

For making cream cheese chicken enchiladas, cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully due to its flavor and convenience. Alternatively, you can use grilled or boiled chicken breast for a healthier option. Shredding the cooked chicken ensures it mixes well with the cream cheese filling and creates an even distribution throughout each enchilada.

Can I make cream cheese chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare cream cheese chicken enchiladas ahead of time and store them before baking. Simply assemble your enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to freeze them, make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

How can I make my cream cheese chicken enchiladas spicier?

To add heat to your cream cheese chicken enchiladas, consider incorporating diced jalapeños into the filling or using spicy salsa instead of mild salsa for the topping. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filling mixture to enhance its spiciness while keeping it creamy.

What sides pair well with cream cheese chicken enchiladas?

Cream cheese chicken enchiladas go well with various sides that complement their rich flavor. Consider serving them with Mexican rice or refried beans for a classic pairing. A fresh side salad with lime vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the enchiladas, making it an excellent choice for balance on your plate.