If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, then you will absolutely fall in love with this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. Picture tender shredded chicken mingling with rich, softened cream cheese and tangy sour cream, all wrapped inside soft flour tortillas and smothered in vibrant enchilada sauce. It’s a Mexican-inspired crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines comfort food vibes with delightful flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building that luxurious texture and authentic flavor. From the creamy dairy components that lend richness to the hearty chicken and flavorful enchilada sauce, every element contributes to making these enchiladas irresistibly delicious.
- 2 cups shredded chicken: Use cooked chicken for that tender, protein-packed filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: This adds the creamy texture that makes this dish stand out.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings a mild tang that balances the richness.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack: A melty, mild cheese that enhances flavor and gooeyness.
- 8 flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling the filling.
- 1 cup enchilada sauce: Adds a punch of vibrant, mildly spicy Mexican flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that when your enchiladas go in, the heat is just right to melt the cheese and bake everything to bubbling perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly until it forms a creamy, delicious filling that is packed with flavor and texture. This creamy chicken mixture is what makes this recipe so irresistibly good.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out each flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken filling down the center. Roll up each tortilla tightly, making sure the filling is snug inside, then place them seam-side down into a baking dish. This assembly ensures your enchiladas hold their shape and cook evenly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure every bite will be juicy and flavorful. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top to create that irresistible melted cheese crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled enchiladas into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden. This final baking step melds all the flavors together and gives you that perfectly cheesy finish you’ve been dreaming of.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Once your enchiladas come out of the oven, fresh garnishes can take them to the next level. Try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and rich chicken filling.
Side Dishes
Complement your creamy chicken enchiladas with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice or refried beans to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving up these enchiladas for a crowd, consider layering them in a casserole style or presenting them individually with a dollop of guacamole and a wedge of lime for added flair. Even topping with a drizzle of sour cream or a spoonful of pico de gallo can make each plate feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the enchiladas with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake; wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the enchiladas in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring that creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture is preserved.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack provides a great melt and mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken?
Definitely. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds wonderful flavor to the filling while saving prep time, making this an excellent recipe for a quick and tasty meal.
How spicy is the enchilada sauce in this recipe?
This recipe calls for a mild enchilada sauce to let the creamy filling shine, but if you prefer some heat, feel free to use a spicier sauce or add a touch of chili powder or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble these enchiladas ahead and refrigerate the dish unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient when hosting — just pop them in the oven right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with tender chicken and that rich enchilada sauce makes every bite a celebration of flavor. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both indulgent and homey, give this recipe a try — I promise it will become a new favorite in your rotation!
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
Description
Rich, creamy, and cheesy enchiladas filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese, topped with enchilada sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This Mexican-inspired dish is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 4 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until creamy and evenly incorporated.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon an equal portion of the chicken mixture onto each flour tortilla. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish, arranging them close together.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- For added freshness and flavor, top the enchiladas with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- If preferred, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though texture will differ.
- Let the enchiladas rest 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
