Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Family Night

When hunger strikes, these irresistible cheesy chicken enchiladas deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Melted cheese hugs tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas.

Spices dance through each bite, creating layers of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor.

Regional ingredients combine into a simple yet satisfying meal anyone can master.

Weeknight dinners become magical moments with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick preparation means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious company.

Warm, gooey, and packed with zesty goodness, these enchiladas promise to become your new favorite dinner solution.

Why Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Are Always a Win

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Loaded with tender chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, this recipe guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, swap chicken for another protein, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-worthy meal that looks and tastes gourmet but comes together with minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Juicy shredded chicken perfect for a hearty filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Rich and melty cheese for extra flavor.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft wraps for rolling the enchiladas.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices that give depth to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Aromatic spices for the creamy sauce.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base for the enchilada sauce.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the chicken filling.

• Salsa, Fresh Cilantro: Bright toppings for extra freshness.

Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Chicken Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft.

• Shredded chicken
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.

Step 2: Roll and Tuck the Enchiladas

Warm the oven to 375°F.

Spread each flour tortilla flat and spoon the chicken mixture into the center.

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Cream Sauce

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Heat and stir constantly until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Drizzle the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas.

Shower with additional shredded cheese.

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Pull the enchiladas from the oven.

Top each with a dollop of salsa and sprinkle fresh cilantro.

Serve piping hot and dive into this cheesy, flavor-packed delight!

Tips for Rolling and Baking Enchiladas

• Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to match your personal taste preferences.
• Use two forks to easily and quickly shred cooked chicken, ensuring uniform texture and better flavor distribution throughout the filling.
• Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, creating a more appealing and less runny presentation.
• Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to prevent cracking and make them more pliable when rolling the enchiladas.
• Prepare the chicken filling and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake the enchiladas when ready to serve for a quick and convenient weeknight dinner.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Enchiladas

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen enchiladas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover enchiladas with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, typically 1-2 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair with Crisp Margaritas: Shake up a classic margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of triple sec to cut through the rich, creamy enchiladas and refresh your palate.
• Serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Combine grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, mayo, chili powder, and lime for a zesty side that complements the enchiladas' spicy and cheesy flavors.
• Balance with Lime-Cilantro Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice with fresh lime zest, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt to provide a light, bright accompaniment that enhances the main dish's robust taste.
• Add a Cooling Avocado Salsa: Dice ripe avocados with red onion, tomatoes, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt to create a cool, creamy topping that balances the enchiladas' warmth and spice.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Enchiladas

• Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas: Replace flour tortillas with thin zucchini slices, creating a lighter, vegetable-based version perfect for keto diets. Roll chicken mixture inside zucchini strips and bake with the same creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Alternative: Swap chicken with seasoned black beans and roasted bell peppers for a protein-packed meatless option. Maintain the original spice blend and cheese mixture for authentic flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Enchiladas: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and sour cream, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based shreds. Keep the original spice profile for a creamy, allergen-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Version: Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Adjust baking time slightly to prevent corn tortillas from becoming too crispy.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be adjusted for spice level. The chili powder and optional cayenne pepper add mild heat. You can reduce or omit these for a milder version or increase them for more kick.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack work great, you can substitute with pepper jack, provolone, or a Mexican cheese blend. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the chicken flavor.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken work perfectly. Shred the chicken and season it just like the recipe instructs. Canned chicken can also be used in a pinch, though fresh is always best.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling and enchiladas ahead of time. Store assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Add sauce and cheese just before baking for the freshest taste.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory cheesy chicken enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, melted cheese and tender spiced meat. Hearty flavors blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken breast, shredded
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful chicken filling by sautéing diced onions in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
2. Mix shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to infuse the meat with robust southwestern flavors.
3. Warm flour tortillas slightly to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
4. Distribute the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across each tortilla, ensuring balanced filling.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese inside each tortilla before carefully rolling into compact cylinders.
6. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish to prevent unraveling during cooking.
7. Prepare a velvety sauce by combining sour cream, heavy cream, and chicken broth over medium heat.
8. Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for depth and subtle heat.
9. Whisk the sauce continuously until it thickens and develops a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Pour the luxurious sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbling finish.
12. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden brown.
13. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of salsa to add brightness and freshness.
14. Serve immediately while the enchiladas are hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Notes

• Prevent tortillas from breaking by warming them slightly before filling, which makes them more pliable and less likely to tear during rolling.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild vs. hot chili powder to suit different spice tolerances.
• Swap traditional flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring a crispy texture by lightly brushing with oil before baking.
• Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and choosing low-fat cheese without compromising the delicious creamy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 130mg