Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Zesty Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner

Creamy and packed with flavor, these cheesy cream cheese chicken enchiladas blend comfort and zest in every single bite.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with rich cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering filling that sings with southwestern flair.

Soft tortillas wrap around the savory mixture, promising a delightful meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Melted cheese blankets the top, turning these enchiladas into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Each rolled tortilla bursts with hearty ingredients that guarantee satisfaction.

The combination of spices and smooth cream cheese elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Prepare to savor a recipe that transforms an everyday meal into a celebration of delicious possibilities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Chicken Enchilada Ingredient Rundown

For Protein and Creamy Base:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat that provides the main protein punch and hearty texture for the enchiladas.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, velvety base that adds richness and binds the filling together smoothly.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances the tangy flavor and contributes to the creamy, smooth consistency of the filling.
For Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
  • Green Chilies: Adds a mild, vibrant heat and authentic southwestern kick to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers deep, rounded aromatic notes without chunky texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance all other flavors in the filling.
For Assembly and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that serve as the delicious vessel for the creamy chicken mixture.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture, zesty flavor, and helps prevent the enchiladas from drying out.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping that adds extra richness and visual appeal.
  • Cilantro, Tomatoes, Jalapenos: Optional fresh garnishes that bring brightness, color, and optional extra heat.

Tools That Make Rolling Enchiladas Simple

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing chicken, cream cheese, and other filling ingredients thoroughly.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the enchiladas evenly.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps combine filling ingredients and spread sauce smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping cilantro or any optional garnishes.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate portioning of ingredients and filling.
  • Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Bake Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Easily

  • Warm Up The Kitchen

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Create The Creamy Filling

Toss together shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheese, green chilies, and seasonings in a big mixing bowl until everything is beautifully blended.

  • Roll And Arrange The Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your dish. Scoop a hearty portion of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, rolling them snugly and placing them seam-side down.

  • Add Saucy Goodness

Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce and shower the top with a generous sprinkle of cheese.

  • Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

  • Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or spicy jalapeños. Pair with rice and beans for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Tips for That Gooey, Flavorful Finish

  • Experiment with rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or shredded pork for a flavor twist without changing the recipe's core technique.
  • Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the fridge.
  • Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use low-carb tortillas for a lighter version. Cauliflower tortillas work wonderfully for keto dieters.
  • Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot green chilies. For extra kick, add diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce directly into the chicken mixture.
  • Swap chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free meal that's equally delicious.

Serve Hot with Cilantro or Sour Cream

  • Fiesta Fresh Plate: Pair these creamy enchiladas with Mexican-style rice for a complete meal that bursts with flavor and texture.
  • Cool and Crisp Companion: Create a tangy side salad with mixed greens, diced cucumber, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich enchiladas.
  • Touchdown Toppings: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top to add brightness and extra creaminess to each bite.
  • Weekend Crowd Pleaser: Serve with cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita to elevate this dish from simple meal to festive gathering centerpiece.

Store for a Quick Weeknight Meal

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap individual portions separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Warm enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore crispy edges and melty cheese. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy tortillas and uneven heating.
  • Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Assemble enchiladas a day before cooking and refrigerate. Keep sauce and cheese topping separate until ready to bake. This method saves time and allows flavors to develop, creating a more delicious meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and use it in the filling mixture.

  • Is it possible to make these enchiladas spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapenos to the filling or use hot green chilies instead of mild ones. You can also incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.

  • What if I don't have flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are a great alternative. Just warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking. They’ll give the enchiladas a more traditional Mexican flavor.

  • Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas bring creamy comfort to classic cuisine. Hearty tortillas packed with tender chicken and rich cream cheese create a satisfying meal that delights palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (for topping)
  • 810 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chilies
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for easy serving.
  2. Create Filling: Blend shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, grated cheese, green chilies, and seasonings into a cohesive, creamy mixture that promises rich flavor in every bite.
  3. Build Foundation: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the baking dish bottom to prevent sticking and infuse initial flavor.
  4. Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and position seam-side down in the prepared dish, creating a neat arrangement of compact flavor parcels.
  5. Sauce and Cheese: Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then generously shower with additional shredded cheese for a molten, golden finish.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the cheese melts into a bubbly, bronzed landscape.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Adorn with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos, and present alongside Mexican rice and beans for a complete, vibrant meal.

Notes

  • Selecting the Right Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken for maximum flavor and convenience, ensuring meat is tender and easily shredded.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly distributed filling that blends seamlessly with cream cheese.
  • Tortilla Preparation: Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet or microwave to prevent cracking during rolling, making them more pliable and easier to handle.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular tortillas with low-carb or gluten-free alternatives for those with specific dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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