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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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

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)

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