Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

Quick & Creamy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

Whipping up some seriously delectable cheesy chicken enchiladas promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mexican cuisine never disappoints with its vibrant combinations.

Tender shredded chicken nestled inside soft tortillas creates pure comfort on a plate.

Creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Melted cheese blankets each enchilada, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become instantly special with this irresistible recipe.

Come along and let’s unlock the secret to making these incredible enchiladas that everyone will absolutely adore.

Why Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Hit The Spot

  • Savor Cheesy Comfort: Indulge in a mouthwatering chicken enchilada experience that combines creamy, melty cheese with tender chicken wrapped in warm tortillas.
  • Master Simple Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic kitchen techniques and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra spices, swapping cheeses, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit individual tastes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these enchiladas guarantee smiles and satisfied hunger with their irresistible flavor and comforting texture.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The main protein that provides a tender and satisfying base for the enchiladas.
For the Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses create a rich, melty filling with a perfect blend of sharp and mild flavors.
For the Tortillas:
  • Corn Tortillas: The traditional wrapper that holds the filling and adds an authentic Mexican touch to the dish.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: These ingredients combine to create a creamy, luxurious sauce with deep flavor.
For the Seasonings:
  • Minced Garlic, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices add depth, warmth, and complexity to the overall taste of the enchiladas.
For the Cooking Basics:
  • Olive Oil: Used to warm and soften the tortillas, preventing cracking during rolling.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions: These fresh herbs add a bright, crisp finish and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Bake Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep those enchiladas from sticking.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Monterey jack cheese

Blend these ingredients to create a mouthwatering filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Warm Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas in a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Cook for 30 seconds on each side to make them flexible and prevent any sad cracking during rolling.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Grab a whisk and combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Minced garlic
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until the sauce is silky smooth and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Roll Enchiladas

Lay each warmed tortilla flat, load it up with the chicken and cheese mixture, then roll tightly. Place each enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour the velvety sauce over the enchiladas, making sure every inch gets a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Add Extra Cheese

Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a gently bubbling sauce.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Pull the enchiladas out and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and diced green onions. These final touches add a burst of color and freshness that’ll make your enchiladas irresistible.

Tips To Get Saucy And Cheesy Enchiladas Just Right

  • Warm Tortillas Wisely: Briefly heat corn tortillas in a skillet with olive oil to prevent cracking and boost flexibility when rolling enchiladas.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for a rich, creamy filling that provides depth and smooth texture to your enchiladas.
  • Sauce Perfection Technique: Whisk cream-based sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a silky, well-integrated consistency that coats enchiladas evenly.
  • Rest and Settle Strategy: Allow enchiladas to rest 5 minutes after baking to help sauce set and flavors meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
  • Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and green onions just before serving to add bright, vibrant flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Yummy Variations For Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap monterey jack for pepper jack cheese to boost heat and complexity.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use thinly sliced zucchini as wrap, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining authentic enchilada flavors.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

  • Pair Tangy Margaritas: Citrusy lime and tequila balance the rich, creamy enchiladas with refreshing zest.
  • Serve Mexican Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy cabbage salad cuts through the heavy cheese and provides a cool contrast.
  • Create Fresh Salsa Verde: Bright, herbal green sauce adds vibrant acidity and lightens the dish's richness.
  • Complement with Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice absorbs the enchilada's creamy sauce and adds textural variety.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Place cooled enchiladas in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
  • For single servings, reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep enchiladas moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce FAQs Made Easy

  • Are corn tortillas essential for this recipe?

Corn tortillas provide authentic Mexican flavor and texture. They’re more traditional than flour tortillas and help maintain the classic enchilada experience.

  • Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds delicious flavor and makes preparation much easier and quicker.

  • What type of cheese works best for these enchiladas?

Cheddar and monterey jack create a perfect blend of sharp and mild flavors. They melt beautifully and provide a creamy, rich texture that complements the chicken.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder for a spicier kick.

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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy chicken enchiladas deliver Mexican culinary magic straight to dinner tables with irresistible comfort. Savory shredded chicken, melted cheese, and rich sauce create a meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Tortillas and Wrap:

  • 8 medium corn tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Optional Additions:

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and monterey jack cheese, creating a rich and flavorful filling mixture.
  3. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet with olive oil for 30 seconds on each side to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
  4. Craft the creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Lay each warmed tortilla flat and generously fill with the chicken and cheese mixture, rolling tightly and placing seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Pour the velvety sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  7. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired, creating a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the sauce is gently bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and diced green onions just before serving for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Enhance tortilla flexibility by warming them briefly in olive oil, preventing annoying cracks during rolling.
  • Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary variations without compromising texture.
  • Reduce calorie content by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Prep chicken ahead of time by slow-cooking or using rotisserie meat to streamline the enchilada-making process.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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